Deep Roots and New Growth in Wabaunsee County
accompanying
A Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit
March 13 – April 25, 2021
The Volland Store will welcome visitors from near and far to “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit, from March 13 to April 25, 2021.
The accompanying exhibit, “Deep Roots and New Growth in Wabaunsee County” will focus on the local story of our community.
Western Wheatgrass (Kernza)(Thinopyrum intermedium), photo by Jim Richardson
The tallgrass prairie gave rise to a culture which is still intact today. Our story begins and ends with the grass, from the traditions and values we hold dear, to current ranching practices, to maintaining the vibrancy of our small rural towns.
The local exhibit will explore real stories of real people:
Ranchers who choose to continue their rural lifestyle, steward the land, and provide leadership for new ways to meet current challenges
and
Townspeople who are entrepreneurs, committed to building a community that is unique, sustainable and strong.
The exhibit will extend beyond the Volland Store gallery to the Volland “Blacksmith Shop,” the Little House (an artist residence), the Ruin, the Grimm-Schultz Farmstead, and other nearby locations with additional exhibits and activities that share our lifeways and engage visitors of all ages. There will be a Storytelling Tour of a nearby ranch, Community-based theatre at the Ruin, and a Stone-wall –building Workshop led by a well-respected Flint Hills craftsman.
As other events are scheduled, details will be added here on an ongoing basis. Please check back frequently for further information.