Events and Activities : Interactive traveling display to focus on Iowa Ag; opens in Vinton Aug. 26

The Benton County Historical Society is hosting a traveling, interactive exhibit from August 26-Sept.6 that is free and open to the public (donations of non-perishable items for the Mobile Food Pantry and Benton County Food Pantry will be accepted). The exhibit “It Takes An Iowan” will be located at the Vinton Depot Railroad Museum at 612 Second Avenue, and focuses on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing endeavor of providing food for the nation and the world.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the global population will reach nine billion by 2050. Feeding the world is no small task and this exhibit features Iowans’ role in assisting those in need to meet the changing diets of billions. Visitors will learn Iowans are not only leaders in agriculture, but also in education, technology, communication, legislation and transportation. Everyone depends on agriculture, from food to fiber. Did you know that agriculture and its related industries pump $112.2 billion a year into Iowa’s economy and create 1 out of every 5 jobs in the state?

“It Takes An Iowan” launched at the 2015 Iowa State Fair and was ranked as number seven on the fair’s list of “Top 11 at the Fair.” The interactive exhibit features 4 touchscreen kiosks that are filled with videos of interviews and commentary from Iowa farmers, educators, inventors and agriculture leaders including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities—past and present. To learn more about Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, visit: www.silosandsmokestacks.org.

Hours the exhibit will be open: weekdays Monday through Friday 4:00-7:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-3:00 pm, Labor Day 12:00-3:00 pm. Questions? Please email bentoncohistorical@gmail.com or call Sharon at 319-533-4524.

Click here for a link to printable worksheets for activities accompanying the displays.

Local sponsors: John’s Qwik Stop and Depot Model Railroaders