The Idaho Humanities Council works with the Smithsonian Institution’s “Museum on Main Street” program (MoMS) to bring Smithsonian traveling exhibitions to small Idaho communities each year. MoMS is a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the Federation of State Humanities Councils nationwide, serving small-town museums and citizens of rural America.

The IHC has brought five Smithsonian exhibitions to Idaho including Between Fences which recently visited Mullan, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Lava Hot Springs, Salmon and Ketchum. In 2007 six Idaho sites enjoyed New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, preceded by Key Ingredients: America by Food (2006), Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon (2005), and in 2004 Yesterdays Tomorrows: Past Visions of the American Future toured the state.

The themes of the exhibitions focus on broad topics of national history and culture.  The IHC helps small museums, libraries, and community centers prepare exhibition-related events for and about their communities.  The organizations benefit from the project's professional training in educational programs, marketing, and interpretation of local history.  Through these combined resources, MoMS provides high-quality cultural programs to underserved rural citizens and sparks everlasting professional improvement for small-town cultural organizations.  Learn more about Museum on Main Street at www.museumonmainstreet.org