An exhibit examining the evolving landscape of rural America during the 20th century will open in the historic Summerville Depot on Saturday, March 7.
“Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” presented by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street in cooperation with Georgia Humanities, will remain on view through April 18 in the train depot, 119 E. Washington St. in Summerville, Georgia.
According to Susan Locklear, manager of Summerville Main Street, the Summerville Depot and surrounding community was expressly chosen by Georgia Humanities to host “Crossroads” as part of the Museum on Main Street program. Museum on Main Street is a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. Summerville is one of just six host communities in Georgia.
Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. “Crossroads” looks at that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans responded.
Americans have relied on rural crossroads for generations. These were places where people gathered to exchange goods, services and culture, and to engage in political and community discussions. They are an important part of the nation’s cultural fabric, as the exhibition shows.