The Smithsonian to make stop in Rolla with The Way We Worked Exhibit (Nov. 19-Dec. 17, 2011)

The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit to travel through Missouri with the Missouri Humanities Council’s Museum on Main Street program, will make its next stop in Rolla, Missouri at the The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 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 exhibition focuses on why we work and the needs that our jobs fulfill, featuring multiple interpretive opportunities for visitors through large graphics, audio components, relevant objects and work clothing.

"Our work takes places everywhere—on the land, on the streets of our communities, in offices and factories, in our home and even in space,” said Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks, III. “The Way We Worked will allow us to tell that evolving story on a national level and relate it to our own community.”

“The Missouri Humanities Council hopes Phelps County residents and those in the surrounding areas will enjoy the exhibition and think a little deeper about the journey of American workers and how that 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, which led to a faster, more complex and often more stressful work environment, the diversity of the American workforce, and how individuals and communities identify themselves with work.

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.

The Way We Worked will begin in Ste. Genevieve at The Bolduc House Museum (Oct. 8 - Nov. 5, 2011) and will continue the tour in Rolla from Nov. 19 - Dec. 17.  Rolla's Local Organizing Committee for The Way We Worked exhibit still  needs additional volunteers so we can keep the exhibit open as many hours as possible. Volunteers are needed to welcome our guests, maintain our guestbook and answer questions that our guests may have about the exhibit.  Training will be provided. Whether you have a little time to share or a lot of time to help, your assistance is appreciated.  For information on volunteering, please contact Arts Rolla at 573 364 5539 or e-mail Linda Giger at lgiger@fidnet.com

Additional stops will include the following cities throughout 2011 and 2012:

• Poplar Bluff—Jan. 3- Jan. 31, 2012, Wheatley Historic Preservation
• Fulton—Feb. 11- March 10, 2012 The National Churchill Museum
• Lawson—March 24- April 21, 2012, Watkins Wollen Mill State Park & State Historic Site
• Savannah—May 5- June 2, 2012, Andrew County Museum & Historical Society

About The City of Rolla and Arts Rolla

The City of Rolla is a vibrant University town (Missouri S&T), rich in history, culture and outdoor recreation. Home to the Mark Twain National Forest Headquarters, Stonehenge, Ozark Actors Theatre, and the Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center, Rolla has some of the best restaurants, shopping and lodging in South Central Missouri.  We're located at the juncture of I-44 and U.S. 63, halfway between St. Louis and Springfield. For more info, please visit www.rollacity.org or www.rollachamber.org.

Arts Rolla is a regional not-for-profit organization founded in 1985. Arts Rolla brings art and communities together by supporting and growing visual, literary and performing arts. Arts Rolla receives support from the Missouri Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the members of Arts Rolla. To learn more about Arts Rolla, please visit www.artsrolla.org.

About the Missouri Humanities Council

The Missouri Humanities Council is a 510 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was created in 1971 under authorizing legislation from the U.S. Congress to serve as one of the 56 state and territorial humanities councils that are affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

MHC is committed to helping build a thoughtful, informed and engaged society through programs associated with encouraging family reading, supporting local museums, libraries and other organizations promoting humanities education, facilitating the sharing of our stories and generating public conversation on topics including history, religion, archaeology, anthropology, philosophy, literature, law and languages. We help Missourians experience the connection between ideas and participatory democracy, and to expand understanding of ourselves and the world beyond our boundaries. More information about the many projects of MHC can be found on the Council website at www.mohumanities.org or by calling 1-800-357-0909.