Our rural communities have served as the heart of cultural life in our state for generations. These crossroads where people have gathered to exchange goods and services as well as engage in political and community discussions are an important part of our cultural fabric.

Within the last century we have seen a shift. Less than 25% of Georgia’s citizens live in our rural communities today even though 75% of Georgia’s 159 counties are classified as rural. Uneven opportunities in rural and urban areas have contributed to this population shift.

Change is an inevitable part of any community’s life.

Crossroads: Change in Rural America uses photos, objects, film, audio, and interactive technology, to explore broader themes of identity, land, community, persistence, and response to change, as well as the role our rural communities have played in shaping the American cultural landscape.

Crossroads Sponsors

Crossroads is presented in Georgia by Georgia Humanities, the Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia, Georgia EMC, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Crossroads: Change in Rural America is part of Museum on Main Street, a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution that provides small and rural communities access to Smithsonian traveling exhibitions. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. To learn more, visit museumonmainstreet.org.