Interactive traveling exhibit in Newton shows off the ingenuity of rural America

Innovation and invention can be found in the most unlikely of places, and that is precisely what a traveling Smithsonian exhibit hopes to get across during its stay in Building 20 of Legacy Plaza in Newton. The exhibit focuses on the successes that have shaped many of America’s struggling small towns. Sound familiar?

Whether it was through revitalizing historic business districts, developing festivals that honor a town’s culture or creating a unique art piece that draws visitors and boosts the local economy, the Spark: Places of Innovation exhibit shows what can happen when a community works together to overcome challenges.

Again, sound familiar? There is probably no better place to host this kind of exhibit than Newton, let alone in a former Maytag headquarters building. Following the closure of the town’s major employer in the late 2000s, the city and many other stakeholders have pushed hard to keep Newton afloat.

Judie O’Connor, a volunteer for Jasper County RSVP, was posted outside the exhibit to greet guests and answer questions if needed. Weeks ago she had completed her own walkthrough. While it is a relatively small exhibit, it is packed with so much information that it took O’Connor two hours to finish it.

“If you really take the time to read all this stuff, it’s very informative,” she said.

Follow the arrows, O’Connor said, and take the time to really listen, read and explore the exhibit, which showcases a number of stories from towns whose populations are less than 11,000 people. Several of the displays are interactive or encourage participants to delve further digitally with their phones.

O’Connor especially likes the display where a specific video plays depending on which side a cube is placed on a small, indented pedestal.

“It’s all very intuitive,” O’Connor said.

Newton was selected to host the traveling exhibit 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 took part in bringing the exhibit to Legacy Plaza.

Included alongside the exhibit are complementary materials highlighting local examples of creativity and innovation.

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

Admission to the exhibit is free and it is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Jan. 30. The exhibit is also open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25. The entrance of Building 20 is located directly under the skywalk of the Legacy Plaza courtyard. Legacy Plaza is located at 403 W. Fourth St. N.