Smithsonian Exhibition

Crossroads: Change in Rural America
Explores the Past, Present, and
Future of Rural Communities

PRESS RELEASE

The Wasatch County Library, in collaboration with Utah Humanities, is proud to bring Crossroads: Change in Rural America, a Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service to the Heber Valley. Crossroads provokes fresh thinking and sparks conversations about the future and sustainability of rural communities. This exhibition offers an opportunity for communities to look at their own paths over the past century – to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes, explore how they have adapted, and think about what’s next.

A local companion exhibit, Celebrating our Homegrown Heritage: Past, Present, and Future, has been produced by a team of Wasatch High School students enrolled in the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program. This exhibit features audiovisual interviews with long-time residents of Wasatch County as well as newcomers and younger generations about life and change in Wasatch County.

Exhibition Open to the Public
November 4, 2023 - January 12, 2024
   - Monday-Friday 10:00am-8:00pm
   - Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
Short guided tours available every day 11am-1pm & 5pm-7pm

Wasatch County Library
465 E 1200 S, Heber City, Utah

EXHIBITIONS & FREE ACTIVITIES AT THE WASATCH COUNTY LIBRARY

Crossroads: Change in Rural America is a traveling Smithsonian exhibition that provokes fresh thinking and sparks conversations about the future and sustainability of rural communities. At a time when much of rural Utah is reinventing itself, Crossroads offers a chance to look at our paths over the past century – to highlight the changes that affected our fortunes, explore how we’ve adapted, and think about what's next.

  • Celebrating Our Homegrown Heritage: Past, Present & Future is a local companion exhibit to the Crossroads exhibition that focuses on the unique culture of Wasatch County! Created by a team of Wasatch High School’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) students and locals, this exhibit showcases the history of Wasatch, modern life, as well as interviews with members of the community.

  • Quilting our Homegrown Heritage is an exhibit where you can discover the rich tapestry of our local heritage through the art of quilting! Presented by Heber Valley Quilters, a chapter of the esteemed Utah Quilt Guild. Witness the evolution of designs and techniques beautifully crafted by talented community residents.

  • Journey Through Time is a captivating art exhibit by students from the Inspiration Haven Art Studio. Young artists painted various places in Wasatch County showing how they’ve changed, describing their hope for those places and the future of Wasatch County.

 

NOVEMBER 4, 2023

11:00am-12:00pm

Crossroads Exhibition Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting

Join Wasatch County Library and our community partners to welcome the Smithsonian to Heber City! Official opening of the Smithsonian exhibition Crossroads: Change in Rural America and the local companion exhibit Celebrating Our Homegrown Heritage: Past, Present & Future. Bring the family to be the first to enjoy the exhibition and presentation.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023

6:00pm-8:00pm

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Family Drop-In Activity | Make Your Own Community

Be inspired by the houses and businesses in your community to make a sculpture of your street, neighborhood, or city. What do you want your community to look like in the future? Using wood blocks and markers, you will get to design a small community of your own!

NOVEMBER 11, 2023

1:00pm-2:00pm

Indigenous Hoop Dancing | With Margaret Red Elk & Dustin Jansen

Embark on a journey of cultural and rhythmic expression as Margaret Red Elk and Dustin Jansen share the profound symbolism behind the hoop, a sacred shape that mirrors the patterns and wonders of nature, as well as the cyclical essence of time and life itself.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

7:00pm-8:00pm

Myself in Fragments, Poetry Book & Art | Presentation by River James

Come hear local author and artist River James share her collection of poetry and art and learn how changes in life and community have impacted her creative process.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

10:00am-2:00pm

Utah Historical Society Drop-In Scan & Share Activity

Want to preserve and share your history? Experts from the Utah Historical Society will help Wasatch County seniors, adults, and young adults preserve and share their photos, letters, recipes, and other historical materials that represent their heritage. Participants will learn about their items, how to preserve them, and create digital copies that will become part of The Peoples of Utah Revisited online collection.

NOVEMBER 18, 2023

6:00pm-7:00pm

Homegrown Concert Series | Featuring Dylan Clough

Saddle up for an evening of Wild West music with Dylan Clough, the cowboy musician who'll take you on a musical journey through the heart of the American West with blues and folk-inspired tunes, weaving tales of horsemen, ramblers, and the rich folklore of the frontier.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

7:00pm-8:00pm

History of Daniel, Wallsburg, & Charleston | Presentation by Alice DeFriez

What's in a name? Charleston, Daniel, and Wallsburg are all little hamlets in Wasatch County with interesting histories and name origins. Don't miss the chance to view historical artifacts in person from people and places in our beautiful county and join in on an interactive discussion with local librarian Alice DeFriez about these unique areas.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

4:00pm-5:00pm

Metal Detecting in Wasatch County | Presentation by Mark Avery

Come learn the basics of metal detecting, along with this hobby's history in Wasatch County and its professional etiquette. Metal detecting can be an engaging activity for the whole family, and Mark looks forward to sharing his passion and knowledge!

DECEMBER 4, 2023

6:00pm-7:00pm

Creating “Celebrating Our Homegrown Heritage” | Project Presentation by CAPS Team

Wasatch High School's Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) students Siena Partridge, Daniel Despres, and Haylee Allen recorded interviews with county residents to complement the Smithsonian exhibition with local stories. Bring family, friends, and students to learn how the video was created and the fun facts these students learned from primary sources through the process.

DECEMBER 9, 2023

6:00pm-7:00pm

Homegrown Concert Series | Featuring The West Road

Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting melodies of this dynamic family bluegrass band! Meet the talented brothers, Hank on guitar and Charlie on the mandolin. Their music will transport you to a world of toe-tapping rhythms and soulful tunes.

DECEMBER 11, 2023

7:00pm-8:00pm

Rural Utah at a Crossroads | Talk with Gregory E. Smoak (University of Utah)

Join historian Greg Smoak (state scholar for the Crossroads exhibition) on an exploration of the tensions between the ideals and realities of life in rural Utah as change – past and present – affects our communities. This lecture will encourage thinking and conversations about rural Utah and our own community.

DECEMBER 18, 2023

7:00pm-8:00pm

Classical Concert | Featuring Orpheus Winds Reed Trio

Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of classical music by the warm glow of the fireplace. The Orpheus Winds Reed Trio, comprised of oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, invites you to a magical journey through timeless melodies. Let the music transport you to a world of warmth and wonder!

DECEMBER 21, 2023

6:30pm-7:30pm

Soulful Sounds of Blues | Featuring Christian Katris

Share an enchanting evening by the fireplace featuring acoustic guitarist Christian Katris' unique blend of blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock. With over a decade of musical prowess under his belt, Christian's solo act, Some Other Blues, promises a chill and laid-back experience reminiscent of Jack Johnson and the Grateful Dead.

JANUARY 4, 2024

7:00pm-8:00pm

Unearth the Rich History of Wasatch County Mining | Presentation by Mark Avery

Join us for a captivating conversation about the profound impact of mining in Wasatch County. Explore the veins of our heritage and gain insights into the development of the region. This engaging program promises to unveil the hidden gems of our past.

JANUARY 8, 2024

7:00pm-8:00pm

Bailes Folclóricos de Latinoamérica | Presentation by Linda Carrera

Join the talented Linda Carrera and experience the vibrant tapestry of Latin American folk dance brought to life by our local K-5th grade students. Share in the joy of community, culture, and the power of dance with your family. These young performers have poured their hearts into preserving these cherished traditions.

JANUARY 12, 2024

6:00pm-7:00pm

 

Homegrown Concert Series | Featuring Alicia Stockman by the fireplace

Dive into the soul-stirring melodies of Alicia Stockman, a Utah-based folk-meets-Americana sensation! Join us for a mesmerizing musical performance that unveils the beauty of everyday vulnerability. Alicia's songs are crafted like intimate moments, weaving a tapestry of relatable emotions that will take you on a heartfelt journey. Don't miss this chance to experience the magic of her music live!

For more information, contact:
Wasatch County Library
435-654-1511