'Crossroads: Change in Rural America' reopens at DeKalb County History Center

SYCAMORE – Thousands of people came to check out the traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” while it was at the DeKalb County History Center. One comment that staff heard many times was, “The Smithsonian part was good, but I really enjoyed the DeKalb County stories.”

If you missed the Smithsonian or if you were one of the people who really enjoyed learning more about DeKalb County’s history, make sure to stop by the DeKalb County History Center to see the new updated exhibit.

“We knew the Smithsonian would only be in town for six weeks, but we spent over a year researching and preparing the DeKalb County story,” Michelle Donahoe, History Center executive director, said in a news release. “With the additional space in our exhibit area, we now have the opportunity to show off some additional large and unique artifacts connected to rural America.”

“The exhibit is a result of numerous partnerships, and this is easy to see by looking at artifacts from throughout the county,” Donahoe said in the release. “A few of the new unique pieces include: A four-horsepower engine manufactured by Jacob Haish, rarely on public display; Wally’s giant bicycle from Sycamore’s Pumpkin Fest Parade; boards from the Sandwich Fair grandstands listing attendance and weather from 1928 to 1944; and a guitar signed by Uncle Kracker, who was the Corn Fest headliner in 2016.”

These items and more are on display at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St. in Sycamore. The History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For information, call 815-895-5762 or visit dekalbcountyhistory.org.