Smithsonian Chooses Tecumseh For Exhibit On Rural America Changes

TECUMSEH – The Johnson County Historical Society has been selected to exhibit the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.”

In 1900, about 40 percent of Americans lived in rural areas.  By 2010, less than 18 percent of the U.S. population remains in rural areas. 

Historical Society President Sarah Williamson said the exhibit allows small towns to look at their their own paths and fortunes over the past century and encourages discussion about what happened when rural populations became the minority in the U.S.

 Williamson: “During the application process, it was clear that Johnson County has indeed experienced the changes.  We honor our past, however we continue to make improvements that are focused on the future.”

Williamson: “The future is bright for much of rural America as small towns embrace the notion that their citizens and their cultural uniqueness are important assets.”

The 2021 exhibit is scheduled to be in Tecumseh from Oct. 8 to Nov. 12.

Williamson said the society will be reaching out to communities in Johnson County and various organizations to coordinate local displays to support the exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.