The High Plains Museum was selected as one of only six Kansas host organizations for “Hometown Teams,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition coming to Kansas in 2015. The Kansas Humanities Council sponsors the “Hometown Teams” tour in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.

“Hometown Teams” explores the ways sports build and unite communities using photographs, hands-on components, and audio and video clips from the Smithsonian Institution. From the little leagues to the big leagues and everywhere in between, “Hometown Teams” examines how sports are a significant part of our national narrative.

“The Kansas Humanities Council received twenty-two applications from museums, public libraries, and community organizations across the state, each with compelling hometown sports stories, and it’s easy to see why. Sports can be an important part of community life in Kansas,” said Julie Mulvihill, executive director of the Kansas Humanities Council. “Although the quality of applications made the decision process difficult, the six finalists demonstrated innovative exhibition ideas and programming plans that will use the Smithsonian exhibition as a springboard to explore, preserve, and share the importance of sports and community.”

The High Plains Museum is excited to show this exhibit March 21st through May 3rd 2015. The High Plains Museum will use this exhibit to launch an examination of Goodland’s sports history as well as future developments for sports in Goodland including health, sportsmanship and conduct. Additional programming in partnership with the Goodland Public Library, Goodland Activities Center, and Goodland Arts Center will expand on different aspects of sports featuring tournaments, special readings, and photography.

The High Plains Museum is one of six Kansas hosts of “Hometown Teams.” Other host communities include: Ellinwood School & Community Library, Ellinwood; Kiowa County Historical Museum and Soda Fountain, Greensburg; Atchison County Historical Society, Atchison; Perry PRIDE, Perry; and Humboldt Historic Preservation Alliance, Humboldt.

The Kansas Humanities Council is a nonprofit organization that supports community-based cultural programs, serves as a financial resource through an active grant-making program, and encourages Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their communities. For more information, visit www.kansashumanities.org.

For more information about “Hometown Teams” in Goodland, contact Karen Anderson at 785-890-4595 or leave a comment below!