Smithsonian exhibit on “fences” to tour Idaho in 2008-2009

The Idaho Humanities Council will bring a new Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit to six Idaho communities in 2008 and 2009 titled Between Fences.  Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, Between Fences will surprise audiences with its exploration of the multiple meanings behind this everyday icon. The exhibit will visit the Mullan Public Library (Mullan), the Coeur d’Alene Public Library (Coeur d’Alene), the Twin Falls Public Library (Twin Falls), South Bannock County Historical Center (Lava Hot Springs), and The Community Library (Ketchum) from September 2008 through July 2009.

Whether made of split rails, decorative white pickets, or tall chain link, a fence conveys information about the people who built it, how they view and use their property, and the nature of their relations with their neighbors. Such barriers speak eloquently about how we view our communities and country as well. Between Fences explores the implications of fences in Colonial America, around gated communities, and at our country’s borders with Canada and Mexico.

The exhibit will be on display for six weeks in each of the six Idaho communities. While on display, each community will develop around the exhibit its own local programming, ranging from school projects, to community fence tours, to lectures, films, local displays, and other activities limited only by the imagination.

Between Fences is part of the Museum on Main Street (MoMs) program, a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils with rural America.  The partnership, established in 1991, was formed as a creative response to the challenge faced by rural museums to enhance their own cultural legacies. Support for the national Museum on Main Street program has been provided by the United States Congress.