Smithsonian exhibit coming to Savanna

SAVANNA – A Smithsonian exhibit, “The Way We Worked,” is coming to the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center from Feb. 25 through April 7.

Whether we work for professional satisfaction and personal growth, or to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our families, work is part of nearly every American’s life.

The exhibit, made possible through a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, explores how work became a central element in American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce, and answers questions about why we work, and what aspects of life our jobs fulfill.

It also offers insight into the local community’s work culture. Several local businesses will have kiosk-type displays showcasing their business and providing information on how they have helped build the community and influenced our society.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Savanna Historical Society is sponsoring a film festival that will feature films that portray informative and humorous aspects of work. Informal discussions of the highlighted occupations, with local representatives, will follow.

In addition, Brian “Fox” Ellis will present a program March 17 on the mussel-shelling industry on the Mississippi River.

More events are being scheduled.

Savanna is one of only six Illinois communities chosen to host the exhibit; the others are Carbondale, Marshall, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Beardstown.