The Way We Worked Smithsonian Exhibit Travels Across Missouri

 smithsonian institution

The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibition will travel throughout Missouri with the Missouri Humanities Council’s Museum on Main Street program, sharing the stories of how work became a central element in American culture and the many changes affecting the workforce and work environments over the past 100 years. The Way We Worked will visit Ste. Genevieve, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Fulton, Lawson and Savannah.

“The Missouri Humanities Council hopes the residents of each community and those in the surrounding areas will enjoy the exhibition and think a little deeper about the journey of American workers and how it is reflected in the world today, both locally and nationally,” said Geoff Giglierano, executive director of the Missouri Humanities Council. “The exhibition explores the tools and technologies that enabled and assisted workers, the diversity of the American workforce and how individuals and communities identify themselves with work.”

The Way We Worked features multiple interpretive opportunities for visitors through large graphics, audio components, relevant objects and work clothing. In addition to the Smithsonian Institution exhibition, each community will also create their own exhibit that tells the unique story of their local history of work.

The Way We Worked scheduled site visits and partners include:

  • Ste. Genevieve—Oct. 8- Nov. 5, 2011, The Bolduc House Museum and City of Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center
  • Rolla—Nov. 19- Dec. 17, 2011, Arts Rolla and City of Rolla
  • Poplar Bluff—Jan. 3- Jan. 31, 2012, Wheatley Historic Preservation Association and Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc.
  • Fulton—Feb. 11- March 10, 2012, The National Churchill Museum and Callaway County Chamber of Commerce
  • Lawson—March 24- April 21, 2012, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park & State Historic Site
  • Savannah—May 5- June 2, 2012, Andrew County Museum & Historical Society

Visitors are free to travel through the exhibit on their own or with a guide. Guides help visitors personally connect to the exhibit through conversations and observations on the exhibit themes.

For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit tour and associated calendar and special events planned for each site, contact the Missouri Humanities Council at 314.781.9660 or view the Missouri Humanities Council website at www.mohumanities.org.

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