Bob Foos
It seems more likely than not, after a recent meeting, that the Webb City Historical Society will host “Spark! Places of Innovation,” a traveling Smithsonian exhibit in the fall of 2027.
Nick Lopez, program coordinator for the Missouri Humanities Council, discussed what being a host would entail with members of the society on Thursday at the Webb City Public Library.
Also in attendance were members of the Webb City Area Genealogical Society and Friends of the Webb City Public Library, and library director Jake Johnson.
Lopez expressed surprise at the number of interested people when he entered the meeting room.
Eileen Nichols applied for the society to be among the hosts for the traveling exhibit, which will come with a $2,500 grant and training.
Lopez divulged that there are only eight applicants for the six host sites that will be chosen, so Webb City’s chances of being selected are good.
In addition to the traveling exhibit, he said exhibits featuring local innovators will be encouraged. Engaging students will be essential to the success of the , Lopez said.
At least two of those involved with installation of the exhibit here will be trained at a later time during a two-day orientation with workshops in Kansas City. Lodging will be at the expense of the Missouri Humanities Council.
Lopez pledged that the council will send help to set up the exhibit. “We’ll be with you every step of the way,” he said.
The tentative period for “Spark! Places of Innovation” to be in Webb City is Aug. 9 to Sept. 20, 2027.
