The Smithsonian Comes to Texas
New Traveling Exhibit Launches in 2024
Seven rural Texas communities have been selected by the Texas Historical Commission to host a travelling Smithsonian exhibit that takes a close look at the evolution of rural America in the last century. Experience the national story starting this August!
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.
What They Get Wrong About Rural America
In 1900, about 40% of Americans lived in rural areas, By 2010, less than 18% of the U.S. population lived in rural areas. In just over a century, massive economic and social changes led to massive growth of America's urban areas. Yet, less than 10% of the U.S. landmass is considered urban.
Many Americans assume that rural communities are endangered and hanging on by a thread—suffering from outmigration, ailing schools, and overused land. But that perception is far from true in many areas. Many rural Americans work hard to sustain their communities.
Explore these themes and more by visiting the traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America."
Tour Dates
| Location: Historic Augus Theater 110 E. Columbia Street Hours: |
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| Clifton
October 12–December 1, 2024 |
Location: Bosque Museum Hours: |
| Brenham
December 7, 2024–January 19, 2025 |
Check back for hours and location. |
| Rockport
January 25–March 9, 2025 |
Check back for hours and location |
| Buffalo Gap
March 15–April 27, 2025 |
Check back for hours and location. |
| San Elizario
May 3–June 15, 2025 |
Check back for hours and location. |
| Bandera
June 21–August 2, 2025 |
Check back for hours and location. |
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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.