Hundreds of people attended Hometown Heritage’s 2018 educational and cultural events and exhibits thanks to the support of numerous partnerships, volunteers and funding organizations, according to a year-end statement issued Thursday by the non-profit group.
Last summer’s World War I exhibit and programs attracted more than 200 people. The programs and exhibit panels, organized by former Hometown Heritage Program Coordinator Alissa Whitmore, were supported by funding from the Bock Family Foundation, Dallas County Foundation, Humanities Iowa and revenues from the Perry Chamber of Commerce Hotel/Motel Tax.
Other World War I supporters included the Perry Hy-Vee and the Perry Public Library, which donated items for care packages sent to deployed soldiers. The Perry Lions Club and dozens of volunteers also contributed to the program’s success.
Another notable Hometown Heritage success for 2018 was the Becoming American film screenings and discussions, which attracted 225 people. The series was organized by Whitmore and curated by City Lore, the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
Funding for Becoming American was derived from the National Endowment for the Humanities and from local sponsors, including the city of Perry, Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University and Drake LEAD, Hispanics United for Perry, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, La Poste, Perry Grand Theaters, Perry Public Library, Perry Community School District and the State Historical Society of Iowa.
“Our community has a tradition of engagement,” said Hometown Heritage President Bill Clark. “Our volunteers, visitors and patrons make our work possible.”
Another ongoing exhibit, Our Great Great Great Grands, is still seeking local participants. For more information, contact Hometown Heritage Program Coordinator Karol Crosbie at karol@fcctrust.org or 515-465-7713.
