“Crossroads: Changes in Rural America” Smithsonian Exhibit Comes to Waveland

Talk of the Town - July 2021

The traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, Crossroads: Changes in Rural America, is finally coming to the museum after a postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

- by Wendy Sullivan

Crew working on installation of the exhibit in the Waveland Ground Zero Museum. Photo by Lindsey Henriques.

"Crossroads:  Changes in Rural America"
July 3 - August 14, 2021
Waveland Ground Zero Museum
335 Coleman Ave. 
Waveland, MS
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 3pm

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“Second time’s the charm!” says Bernie Cullen, chairperson of Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum board. The traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, Crossroads: Changes in Rural America, is finally coming to the museum after a postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Crossroads exhibit is scheduled to arrive at Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum (WGZM) earlier in the week to be on track for the July 3 opening. 
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Waveland is the only site on the Mississippi coast and only one of six locations in the state chosen for the exhibit by the Mississippi Humanities Council. The exhibit will highlight how rural communities have used their strengths and persevered in response to challenges and changes. 
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One segment of the exhibit in the Waveland Ground Zero Museum. Photo by Lindsey Henriques.

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Crew working on installation of the exhibit in the Waveland Ground Zero Museum. Photo by Lindsey Henriques.

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Waveland's Ground Zero Museum, on Coleman Street in Waveland.

The late LiLi Stahler Murphy spearheaded the proposal to bring this exhibit to the Coast. LiLi, who served for eight years as a Waveland alderman, was herself a model of the perseverance and determination. Among her many contributions to the local community, she was the driving force behind the creation of Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum.

Her legacy is carried on by her dear friend, Bernie Cullen, who is another tireless contributor to the community. In addition to serving as project director for the exhibit, she is also the liaison for the local components of the exhibit. 

A true force of nature, the late LiLi Stahler Murphy was integral in the creation of Waveland's Ground Zero Museum.

“I’m excited that this exhibit will spotlight our museum, Waveland, and all of Hancock County,” said Bernie. “The Crossroads exhibit will be the catalyst to grow our museum to the next level.”

Bridging the national exhibit with local history not only informs about the bigger perspective but also helps build understanding about the current community. 
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Using several local venues, Bernie has arranged for WGZM to present additional exhibits and programs on Hancock County history called “From Logtown to Infinity.” One area of the museum will have 10 panels highlighting six Hancock County cities and towns:

• Bay St Louis
• Clermont Harbor
• Diamondhead
• Kiln
• Pearlington
• Waveland
  

Also featured will be four specific features of Hancock County:

• Historical markers
• Crossing the Bay of St. Louis
• Stennis: Hancock County welcomes the space program
• African-American influences in Hancock County
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Vintage photograph of a country store on a dirt road in rural North Carolina.

The exhibits will be enhanced with presentations by local experts, who will focus on the local community. The program schedule is as follows:
 

• July 14, 2021: “Port and Harbor: an asset to Hancock County” with William Cotter, CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. Mr. Cotter will share past, present and future of the Port’s contribution to Hancock County. Held at Studio Waveland 6-8 pm; lecture starts at 6:15 pm. Light refreshments.
  
  

• July 21, 2021: “Creative Economy” with Steve Barney, executive director of The Arts, Hancock County and owner of Creative Arts Center. Mr. Barney will share an amazing video including interviews from various artists in our community addressing their art and contribution to the economy of the area. Held at Lazy Magnolia Brewery in the Kiln 6-8 pm as a private function. Food and drink will be available for purchase by the Lazy Magnolia staff. Come have dinner and refreshments with us! Lecture will start around 6:30 pm to give you time to order your food and beverage.
  
  
• July 24, 2021: “Agriculture changes” with Dr. Christian Stephenson, MS State Agricultural Extension agent in Hancock County. Dr. Stephenson will discuss changes over time in agriculture and horticulture within our county and surrounding counties. Held at Waveland Library 6-8 pm; lecture starts at 6:15 pm. Light refreshments.
  
  
• July 28, 2021: “Black History and Influence” with Art Clementin, retired education administrator, past Library Board of Trustee chairperson and host of weekly religious radio program. This program will acknowledge the strong influence and contribution made to Hancock County by our black ancestors and current leaders. Held at Pearlington Library 6-8 pm; lecture starts at 6:15 pm. Light refreshments.
  
  
• August 4, 2021: “Logtown to Infinity” with Allison Anderson, FAIA, LEED-AP, and Brehm Bell, J.D. This lecture will highlight the changes in our community from the days of Logtown to the contributions at Stennis. Held at Bay St. Louis Library 6-8 pm; lecture starts at 6:15 pm. Light refreshments.
  
  
• August 11, 2021: “Population Data and Trends” with John Green, Ph.D. Dr. Green, a professor of agricultural economics and director at the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University, will discuss population data and trends in Hancock County covering changes between 2000-2010. Held at Studio Waveland 6-8 pm; lecture starts at 6:15 pm. Light refreshments.
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Another vintage photo from the exhibit shows the children of a WPA worker in Green County, Georgia.

Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum is located at 335 Coleman Avenue, Waveland. The exhibit will be open July 3 - August 14, 2021, Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 3 pm. Admission is free. Contact the museum for more information at 228-467-9012.
 
The exhibit is a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS) Division and the Mississippi Humanities Council and was made possible by a mini grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council and a partnership grant from the MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. 

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