The Smithsonian Institution’s Rural Initiative

🗓️ Tuesday, August 25 ⏰ 5:30–7:30pm 📍 Minnesota Discovery Center’s Theater 💸 FREE & OPEN TO ALL The Smithsonian Institution’s Rural Initiative: More Than “Not Urban”: Serving People and Place in the Iron Range Join us for a community conversation exploring how the Smithsonian Institution is expanding its work with rural and Tribal communities across America. Rural America often defies definition. Traditional measures like population, distance, and access don’t always capture the resilience, innovation, creativity, and civic engagement that make rural communities unique. Small towns possess incredible strengths and assets that are often overlooked. Guided by findings from a nationwide Rural Needs Sensing Report, the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative works to support rural communities by addressing the cultural, educational, and economic priorities of both the people and the place. During this free public discussion, Rural Initiative Director Andy Mink will share insights from research and community collaborations that have strengthened small towns, supported rural schools, and improved community well-being across the country. Despite covering 97% of the nation’s landmass and being home to more than 46 million Americans, many rural communities continue to face challenges in education, broadband access, healthcare, and workforce development. The Smithsonian hopes to help address these challenges through meaningful partnerships—and the Iron Range is part of that conversation. We want to hear from you: 💪 What are the Iron Range’s greatest strengths? 😬 What challenges lie ahead? ⛏️ How should the rest of the nation understand the Iron Range’s story? 🌟 What can other communities learn from our region? 🤝 How can the Smithsonian partner with and support our communities? Enjoy complimentary snacks (while supplies last) and a cash bar as we discuss the future of the Iron Range together. Event Schedule 🕠 5:30 PM – Reception 🎤 6:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction by Allyse Freeman, MDC Museum & Research Center Director 🏛️ 6:00–7:00 PM – Presentation by Andy Mink, Director, Rural Initiative, Office of the Under Secretary for Education ❓ 7:00–7:15 PM – Q&A Session This event marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership between the Smithsonian Institution and the Iron Range. We invite you to be part of the conversation and help shape what’s next.