HURON When the South Dakota Humanities Council learned about the Smithsonian traveling exhibit called Spark! Places of Innovation, one of their first thoughts for the display was Huron, said program coordinator Stacy Chidaushe of Brookings.
This is our second Smithsonian exhibition in Huron, and were super excited to have it here, Chidaushe said during a ribbon cutting for the exhibit Saturday afternoon at the Stone Church.
Spark! is for innovation, not just technical, but social, cultural, heritage and artistic innovation as well, she said. When you think of cultural innovation, we thought of Huron. Youve really done some great things here.
Spark! Places of Innovation, is a series of informative kiosks and games that tell real stories of small rural communities that rose to the challenge to develop new opportunities. The walk-through display is open daily from 2 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 6 at the Centennial Stone Church, on the corner of Fourth Street and Kansas Ave. S.E. Information is available in English, Spanish and Lakota.
We want to welcome to Huron this amazing exhibit, said Louise Van Poll, executive director of Hurons museums. Its here for the fair, so be sure to stop down.
Van Poll said the Smithsonian provided translations in both Spanish and Lakota specifically because this exhibit was coming to South Dakota.
Doug Ramsel, chairman of the Beadle County Commission, told those assembled for the ribbon cutting that he encourages people to take advantage of this Smithsonian exhibit.
If you have a little time, come and tour this facility, youll learn something and it might spark innovation, he said. I want to thank Louise and the museum board for making sure this all came together.
Spark! explores real stories of small-town innovation and invention told from the diverse perspectives of the people who lived it, supported by interactive images and objects unique to the community.
Van Poll said the exhibit focuses on five rural communities, with 30 small communities that are also talked about in the exhibits. Theres one in Bethel, N.H., where they had gathered to discuss things and collaborate and brainstorm, she said. Someone happened to write on a piece of paper Bethel U. That led to the establishment of Bethel University.
During the summer, specialists either from town or nearby, would come and teach a class, Van Poll said. Stained glass, metal work, painting, all kinds of things. Its so popular they have people from all over come to their classes. Thats how they changed their community. That just amazes me.”
After the exhibit leaves Huron in October, it will be set up in Aberdeen for six weeks and then go to Mission for another six weeks.
Holly Hohm, chairman of the museum board of directors, said many of the communities highlighted were in decline, and the exhibit shows what actual innovation looks like in rural America.
I think people will be impressed by what it has to offer, Hohm said. I hope people will come in and take the time to look at it. I think Huron does a very good job of stepping up to the plate when theres a situation.
Were just really thrilled, Van Poll said. A lot of people are never going to get to Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian Institution in person. This might be the only opportunity to see a Smithsonian exhibit.
It encourages you to put your thinking cap on and find solutions instead of complaining about problems, she added.
It reminds me of Huron Rising and Huron Rising 2.0, Van Poll said. Thats the same thing. What do we see, what do we want to see, and how do we get there. It can be something very small or something very big.
If anyone is interested in volunteering to help oversee the exhibit and greet visitors while the exhibit is in town, theyre encouraged to call Van Poll at (605) 352-2528.
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