Explore the Smithsonian Institution's Traveling Exhibit and Events Nov 4 - Dec 9, 2023

The Smithsonian traveling exhibit Crossroads: Change in Rural America comes to the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail!

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.

How to Explore the Traveling Exhibit

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is one of five locations in Alabama hosting this traveling exhibit. To check out Crossroads, visit the Lowndes Interpretive Center during our regular operating hours, Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The exhibit will be on display from November 4, 2023, to December 9, 2023.
There is no entrance fee.

Learn more about the Crossroads Exhibit and where it will be next.

Special Events

November 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - Exhibit Grand Opening and "Sew Their Names" Project

This exhibit will open with a speech and ribbon cutting by Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Rick Pate. Rick Pate grew up working his family’s cattle and poultry farm in Lowndes County.

The public is invited to join the quilters of Mount Willing in the creation of quilt blocks that memorialize the names of enslaved people of Central Alabama. Pieces from this quilting session may be used to create an additional “Sew Their Names” quilt. The public is encouraged to honor the names of enslaved individuals from their own history using the provided fabric and thread or by bringing personal textiles. A list of enslaved names, compiled by the organizers, will also be available.
Sewing expertise is not required.

The activity also will include a video and a presentation by the project organizers, Reverend Dale Braxton, the Director of the LCCLC, and retired Judge Susan Russ Walker. “Sew Their Names” quilts by celebrated quilt artists Yvonne Wells (Tuscaloosa, AL), and Wini McQueen (Macon, Georgia) will be on display at the event. Learn more about the "Sew Their Names" project and get involved.

November 11, 2023, 1:00pm - Ed Bell and the Piedmont Blues

Dr. Alison Upshaw, an expert on Black music, will share information on Ed Bell, born in Fort Deposit, who has been given the credit of being the most influential Alabama artist in prewar blues recordings. Throughout the presentation, we'll listen to some of Ed Bell’s discography.
The program is free, and refreshments will be served.

November 18, 2023, 10:00am to 1:00pm - Rural Health Fair

Rural Black Belt counties in Alabama continue to experience high rates of preventable health disparities. The scarcity of resources in rural communities is commonplace although, not exclusive to the Black Belt. Come to the Center to gather information that can increase your knowledge to have a healthier life.

November 29, 2023, 1:00pm - Film Showing: Fl*shing Injustice

The short film Fl*shing Injustice will be shown followed by a panel discussion.
Watch a short trailer of the film.
In May of 2023, the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services concluded an 18-month investigation into the state of Alabama's neglect concerning the health risks associated with raw sewage in Lowndes County, and the disproportionate burden and impact placed on Black residents in the county.
Organizations and agencies are utilizing historic state and federal infrastructure funding to implement real solutions on the ground, transforming communities through education and bringing justice to areas that have long been overlooked and underserved for these basic needs.
This program is free and open to the public, light refreshments will be provided.

December 2, 2023, 1:00pm - Hopewell Church Restoration Project

In rural Lowndes County, Alabama, the small community of Mt. Willing is home to a rare treasure: an antebellum church building largely unchanged from when it was constructed in the early 1840s.
When restoration is complete, the Hopewell church site will be used to promote truth and reconciliation through exhibits, classes, and events that acknowledge and address the narrative of racial difference that was historically promoted by the antebellum church. The Project hopes to attract not only local visitors, but also some of the thousands of tourists who visit Montgomery and Selma but do not generally find their way to this underserved part of Lowndes County, which has borne more than its share of the economic and social burdens of slavery and its aftermath.
Join Rev. Dale Braxton to learn about this church that was built by skilled enslaved carpenters. Find more information about the project.
This program is free and open to the public, light refreshments will be provided.

December 9, 2023, 10:00am - What Is the Future for Rural Alabama?

Nivory Gordon, Jr. who is the Alabama State Director for USDA Rural Development will speak to current rural development in Alabama.
This program is free and open to the public, light refreshments will be provided.

December 9, 2023, 11:00am - Lowndesboro School Project

The Lowndesboro School was a beacon of hope for the first post-slavery generation when it was founded in 1868. By the 1960s, most of Alabama's schools for African-American children had been starved for funds by districts controlled by white politicians.
Join Ms. Josephine Bolling McCall to learn about the Elmore Bolling Initiative and plans for the school to be restored.
This program is free and open to the public, light refreshments will be provided.