Crossroads Exhibit
The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Missouri Humanities Council, presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural America opens at the Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch on Friday, May 10, 2024. “Crossroads” will be on view through Friday, June 21, 2024.
Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by the Missouri Humanities Council to host “Crossroads” as part of the Museum on Main Street program—a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.
“Crossroads” explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. From sea to shining sea, the vast majority of the United States landscape remains rural with only 3.5% of the landmass considered urban. Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. The exhibition looks at that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans responded.
Americans have relied on rural crossroads for generations. These places where people gather to exchange goods, receive services and culture and to engage in community discussions are an important part of our cultural fabric. “‘Crossroads’ allows us to reflect on Kearney’s rich history, vibrant present and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for our community,” said Gerri Spencer, Kearney Historic Museum Director and Angela Gillette, Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch Manager.
“We want to convene conversations about what makes our community unique and have developed local exhibits and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition.”
- Visit the Exhibit at Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch
- 100 South Platte Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060
- Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Schedule of Events
For a full Schedule of Events please download the Visit Kearney MO mobile app.
Planning For Your Future: Chamber Membership Luncheon
- Location: First Christian Church
- Date: May 1st
- Time: 12pm – 1pm
Kearney Farmers Market
- Location: parking lot of the Early Education Center
- Dates: May 4th – October 29th
- Time: Saturdays (7am – 12pm)
Kearney MO Motor Show (car show)
- Location: First Untied Methodist Church, 1000 E 92 Hwy, Kearney
- Dates: May 4
- Location: Walnut Creek Winery, Holt
- Dates: June 1
- Time: 10am – 2pm
Paint the Missouri Star quilt square with Laurie
- Location: Mt. Gilead Church
- Date: May 4
- Time: 10am-Noon
- Details: $35, link to pay my.allevents.in/quilt. All ages welcome
The Kansas City Symphony’s Mobile Music Box
- Location: Kearney Library Outside
- Date: Mon, May 6 2024
- Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Roaring Through the 1920’s in Kearney – Museum Exhibit
- Location: Kearney Historic Museum
- Dates: May 10th – June 21st
- Time: Fridays and Saturdays (10am – 2pm)
Soundtrack of Rural America – Radio Programming
- Location: Hometown Radio Station KPGZ 102.7FM
- Dates: May 10th – June 21st
- Time: Saturdays (8am) and Sundays (7pm) only
Crossroads Quilt Walk (see below details)
- Date: May 11th
- Time: 7am – 6pm
How Did We Get Here (Guest Speaker)
- Location: Kearney Library
- Date: May 14th
- Time: 6:30pm
Senior Center Dance
- Location: Senior Community Center
- Dates: May 14th – June 25th
- Time: Tuesdays only (12:15 line dance practice 1pm – 3:30pm dance)
Fun Farm KC Berry Fest
- Location: Fun Farm
- Dates: May 4th – June 2nd
- Time: 9am – 5pm
Fallen Warriors Memorial Dedication
- Location: Jesse James Park
- Dates: Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th
- Time: 10am
Call For Photos – Bring in your physical photos to be scanned and get a digital copy.
- Location: Chamber of Commerce and Kearney Library
- Dates: Mondays (June 3rd, 10th) and Fridays (May 31st, June 7th, 14th)
- Time: Monday and Fridays (9am – 4pm)
- NOTE: Please bring your own flash drive.
Horse Show:
- Location: Northland Therapeutic Riding Center Holt, MO
- Date: June 8th
- Time: 8am – 2pm
Book Club
- Location: Kearney Library
- Date: June 11th
- Time: 6:30pm
Kearney Amphitheater FREE Summer Concert – Arena Rock Giants: A tribute to the rock bands that sold out stadiums and arenas worldwide in the 70’s and 80’s.
- Location: Kearney Amphitheater, Jesse James Park
- Dates: Saturday, June 1
- Time: Gates open at 6pm, Show at 7pm
Thank You to our Sponsors
Quilt Walk
Crossroads Quilt Walk, taking place on Saturday, May 11th, from 7am to 6pm.
The Crossroads Quilt Walk promises to be an exciting event that celebrates our community’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. As part of the event, local businesses will showcase quilts in their shops or window displays, adding to the charm and character of Kearney during this special occasion.
Here are some highlights of what the Crossroads Quilt Walk will entail:
- Starting at the Kearney Farmer’s Market (open from 7am to Noon) participants can pick up a complimentary shopping bag (limited to 300) and a Quilt Trail Map. A variety of quilts will be on display at the Farmers Market, creating a colorful and inviting atmosphere. Open 7am – Noon.
- Local businesses along the Quilt Trail will feature quilts on display, adding to the festive ambiance of the event. Each location will also feature a different Farmer’s Wife letter from “The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt” by Laurie Aaron Hird, and will handout two quilt block patterns. (Bea’s Flowers, Water’s Hardware, Roost, Kearney Historic Museum, Kearney Library, and Farmer’s Market)
- Radiant Life Church will host a quilt exhibit showcasing close to 100 family quilts, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tradition of quilting in our community. Open 9am-6pm.
- The Jesse James Birthplace will host a special 19th Century Quilt Talk by Jean Warren of James Country Mercantile at 10AM. Mrs. Warren will share insights into historic quilts, fabric, patterns, and quilt names, providing a fascinating look into our local history. Historic quilts will also be on display at the museum and historic quilt patterns will be provided to visitors. Open 9am-4pm.
- Porter’s Building Center Ace Hardware is featuring 30% off select items in their collection of Vera Bradley bags. Shop totes, backpacks, purses and handbags for women that feature a variety of fun, vibrant designs. Open 8am-5pm.
- Three Birdies Boutique will engage the community with a unique quilt project where customers can express why they love Judy Blue jeans, adding a creative twist to the event. Open 10am-6pm.
- The Kearney Library will host a quilt display and a quilting demonstration with local quilters featuring quilt blocks from “The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt” by Laurie Aaron Hird. Open 10am-6pm.
- A Quilt-themed Scavenger Hunt on the Visit Kearney mobile app encourages participants to find specific quilt patterns or elements within the displayed quilts.
- Visitors can also explore the “Roaring Through the 1920’s in Kearney” exhibit at the Kearney Historic Museum, featuring a historic quilt display of more than a dozen quilts, ranging from 1870 to 2000, that complements the Smithsonian Crossroads Exhibit. Enjoy refreshing treats from Kona Ice. Open 10am-4pm.
- The day wouldn’t be complete without attending the grand opening of the Smithsonian exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” at the Mid-Continent Public Library, Kearney Branch. Guests will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of small-town evolutions and cultural treasures. Open 10am-6pm.
