The Smithsonian Comes to Texas
New Traveling Exhibit Launches in 2026
Six rural Texas communities have been selected by the Texas Historical Commission to host a traveling Smithsonian exhibit that takes a close look at how communities have introduced a fresh idea or an invention that creates a new way of doing or thinking. Experience the national story starting in May of 2026!
About the Program
This exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street (MoMS), a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state organizations across the nation, and local host institutions.
Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress.
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 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.
Do You Have That Small Town Spark?
Invention can happen anywhere and it’s happening right now in small towns across America. Rural Americans are creating new products, taking risks, meeting challenges together, and seizing upon exciting opportunities that change local life and sometimes reach far beyond. Spark! examines how communities can introduce a fresh idea or an invention in some way that creates a new way of doing or thinking.
For every community, there is a unique combination of history, resources, leadership, collaboration, and opportunity that resulted in invention and innovation - socially, artistically, technologically, or culturally.
Explore these themes and more by visiting the traveling exhibit, "Spark! Places of Innovation."
Tour Dates
The tour doesn't kick off until May of 2026, but there is plenty to do in these six communities now. Click on the name of each host community below for ideas on things to see and do.
**Kerrville and parts of the Texas Hill Country are still recovering from the historic July 4th flooding. For safety reasons, please consult official information sources before visiting. The community is in recovery mode and will be for some time. But when the time is right, we will be welcomed with open arms.
| Location: Kerr Arts & Cultural Center 228 Earl Garrett Street Hours: |
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| Alpine
July 3 - August 9, 2026 Check back for information. |
Location: Museum of the Big Bend Hours: |
| Taylor
August 15 - September 27, 2026 Check back for information. |
Location: TBD Taylor, Texas 76574 Hours: |
| Snyder
October 3 - November 15, 2026 Check back for information. |
Location: Ritz Community Theatre 1810 26th Street Snyder, Texas 79549 Hours: TBD |
| Brackettville
November 21, 2026 - January 3, 2027 Check back for information. |
Location: TBD |
| Atlanta
January 9 - February 21, 2027 Check back for information. |
Location: Atlanta-Miller Grade School 106 1/2 W. Miller Street Atlanta, TX 75551 Hours: TBD |
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Museum on Main Street is sponsored by participating communities and their local donors and sponsors.
Projects are developed with guidance and training provided by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), however the THC does not independently verify and makes no representations or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of the information provided by the Smithsonian Institute, community sponsors and partners, or any other participant in the organization, operation or administration of the individual community events.
If you have questions about these exhibits or the Museum on Main Street program, contact THCHeritageTourism@thc.texas.gov.