ELLINWOOD — Humanities Kansas recently selected Ellinwood School/Community Library as a Partner Site in the “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” statewide initiative. Along with nine museums, historical societies, and libraries across the state, ESCL will receive a $1,500 grant to tell the story of our rural community. 

Humanities Kansas’s “Crossroads” initiative explores the history and culture of local rural life in Kansas and sparks conversations about our state’s future. Exhibitions will consider what it means to live rural in the 21st century, the relationship between rural, suburban, and urban, and the progress and persistence needed by communities of all sizes to thrive. “Crossroads” is anchored by a Smithsonian traveling exhibition of the same name touring six communities, ten “Crossroads” Partner Sites featuring local exhibitions, and statewide public programming opportunities. 

In addition to Ellinwood School/Community Library, partner site projects will also take place in Olathe, Dodge City, Onaga, El Dorado, Satanta, Council Grove, Colby, Hays, and Lebanon. 

The “Crossroads” Smithsonian exhibition will tour six Kansas communities in 2020-2021: Bowlus Fine Arts Center/Allen County Historical Society, Iola; 5.4.7 Arts Center, Greensburg; Kauffman Museum, North Newton; Independence Public Library/Independence Historical Museum and Art Center; The Volland Store, Alma; and Norton County Arts Council, Norton.

Our partner exhibit will begin in October, so keep an eye out for more information regarding this event!

Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.