December 25, 2024

Innovation in rural America showcased in Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition coming to Newton

Every invention starts with a problem that needs solving, and in rural communities across the country, innovation has transformed neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural life. “Spark! Places of Innovation,” a traveling Smithsonian exhibition, highlights how small towns have overcome challenges with creativity and ingenuity. The exhibition will be on display at Legacy Plaza, Building 20, from Dec. 30 through Jan. 30.

Newton was selected to host “Spark!” as part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, which brings engaging exhibitions to rural communities. The City of Newton and the Historic Preservation Commission are proud to welcome this captivating display, which showcases stories of invention and innovation from more than 30 small towns across America.

“‘Spark!’ allows us to reflect on Newton’s history, present, and future,” Erin Chambers, Community Development Director for the City of Newton, said “We’re excited to use this opportunity to convene conversations about innovation in our own community and explore what the future holds for Newton.”

The exhibition uses photographs, hands-on activities, objects, and videos to tell the stories of how rural communities tackled modern challenges. Organized into four themes — social, artistic, technological, and cultural innovation — it provides real-life examples of small towns solving big problems. Featured stories include public art revitalization efforts in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and the creation of a coworking and education hub in Taos, NM.

The City of Newton has also developed complementary materials to highlight local examples of creativity and innovation, providing an opportunity for visitors to reflect on how Newton’s past and present shape its future.

Exhibit Details:

  • Dates: Dec. 30 – Jan. 30
    Hours: 2 to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday
    Special Dates: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 11 and Jan. 25
  • Location: Legacy Plaza, Building 20 (entrance under the skywalk in the Courtyard)
  • Admission: Free

This information is also available on the City’s website: https://bit.ly/SparkExhibitNewton

The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host organizations. “Spark!” was inspired by “Places of Invention,” an exhibition developed by the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. To learn more about “Spark! Places of Innovation” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 70 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.