The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale will host a community presentation next week examining the challenges and strengths of rural communities.
The event, titled "More than 'Not Urban': Serving People and Place in Rural Arkansas," is set for Tuesday, August 18, at the museum’s campus in Springdale. Andy Mink, director of rural initiatives for the Smithsonian Institution, will lead the discussion.
Mink will explore the Smithsonian's ongoing efforts to expand its work with rural and tribal communities and share insights from a nationwide Rural Needs Sensing Report. The presentation will focus on the distinctive qualities of rural communities, how they sometimes defy common expectations, and the value of their self-reliance. Mink will also discuss partnerships the Smithsonian has formed to support local growth and resilience.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, and Mink's presentation is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
The Smithsonian Institution oversees a network of museums and collaborates with affiliate museums across the United States. Arkansas' only Smithsonian-affiliated museum is the Historic Arkansas Museum, located in Little Rock.
The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History regularly hosts events and programs celebrating the heritage and culture of the Ozarks, serving as a regional hub for education and community outreach.