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 20^th 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

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, 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

Piecing Together Our History (Quilt Walk)

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 15th – May 27th)
Time: TBA

Fallen Warriors Memorial Dedication

Location: Jesse James Park
Dates: Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th
Time: 9am – 4pm

Call For Photos

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)

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

Quilt Walk

Crossroads Quilt Walk, taking place on Saturday, May 11th, from 7am to 4pm.

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 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 and handout simple illustrated instructions for two pieced blocks from “The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt” by Laurie Aaron Hird. (Bea’s, Porter’s, Water’s, Museum, Farmer’s Market)
Radiant Life Church will host a quilt exhibit showcasing over 20 family quilts, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tradition of quilting in our community.
The Jesse James Birthplace will host a special 19th Century Quilt Talk by Jean Warren of James Country Mercantile at 10 am. 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.
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.
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 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.

JOIN THE CHAMBER!