Water + Nature Health

Smithsonian Water/Ways Exhibit is Coming to North Webster, Summer 2021

by Sarah Marty-Schlipf, donor relations specialist

This summer you don’t have to travel to the nearest big city for a world-class museum experience. This summer, the museum is coming to you.

North Webster Community Public Library and The Watershed Foundation (TWF) are excited to host Water/Ways, a traveling Smithsonian exhibition which dives into water— an essential component of life on our planet— environmentally, culturally, and historically.

With support from Indiana Humanities Council, NWCPL and TWF have also developed a companion exhibit showcasing our area’s unique water story, as well as a series of public programs for all ages. Visitors to the library can learn about our local water resources, lakes, and watershed, as well as water’s cultural, spiritual, and social impact in our community. Water-related programs will be offered in various locations throughout the summer: from hands-on educational experiences to presentations, panel discussions, ecotours, and more.

Water/Ways is part of Smithsonian’s “Museum on Main Street” program, which brings exhibitions and programs to rural communities. North Webster was one of just six communities selected by Indiana Humanities Council to host the exhibit, which will tour the state, starting in North Webster and traveling to Rolling Prairie, West Terre Haute, New Harmony, Madison, and Centerville.

“We’re honored to have been selected,” said Lyn Crighton, TWF executive director. “We’re excited to partner with NWCPL in this opportunity to share the story of our outstanding water resources and community.”

Beth Smith, adult services director of NWCPL, agrees. “We are very proud to be able to offer Water/Ways to our community and surrounding neighbors.”

Water/Ways and our local exhibit will be on display at the library June

26-August 7. Watch for program dates and details, coming soon.