Smithsonian exhibit arrives

A national traveling exhibit opens tonight in the Callahan Depot.

The Smithsonian Institution’s “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” exhibit will be on display today through Dec. 8. A welcome reception is planned for 6-9 p.m. Friday. 

The West Nassau Historical Society hosts the free exhibit inside the Callahan Depot, which is also home to the West Nassau Museum of History. 

Six kiosks will display photographs and videos about rural life will air. The event will include local artifacts and items of interest related to early rural life in western Nassau.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever had anything this large,” said President Emily Baumgartner. “We’ve had art shows, special events and festivals, but this is the biggest event we’ve ever done.” 

Former Amelia Island Museum of History Program Director Alex Buell submitted an application to the Smithsonian Institution on behalf of the historical society. Because of its rural characteristics, Nassau County was approved as one of six areas within Florida to house the exhibition. The exhibition highlights changes that occurred in rural life. 

“You had your trails, sails and rails,” Treasurer/Exhibit Director John Hendricks said. “It’s interesting to see how communities evolved, flourished or vanished as different modes of transportation changed.”

The society holds several events each year to increase awareness of Nassau County’s past.

“That’s one of our goals, is to bring people into the museum so they can learn about the history of the area and learn the importance of writing down the history and documenting it,” Hendricks said. “Also, we invite the community to bring old photos. We will have our scanners set up so that we can scan them and document them. We lose so much history if we don’t take the time to do this.” 

Evening presentations are also planned in addition to the exhibit. Topics include local history of the railroad, turpentine, newspapers, churches and the Town of Hilliard. 

Events are planned during the exhibit’s stay. Society members will hold its monthly meeting Nov. 15 and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Non-members are welcome to attend, but donations are suggested, according to event organizers. 

A Nassau County Chamber of Commerce member mingle is planned Nov. 8

The exhibit will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will also be open Sundays, noon to 3. The exhibit is closed Thanksgiving Day. It reopens the following day.

“The exhibit is sure to appeal to the community and others who love learning about rural life and Nassau County’s history,” Baumgartner said. 

To see a full schedule of events, visit www.wnhs.fl.org or visit the historical society’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wnhsfl.org.