About thirty people from communities in Greene County attended the Informational Pep Rally presented by Jefferson Matters: Main Street director Peg Raney on Monday, July 24 at the Greene County Historical Museum. Others involved in this kick-off were Roger Aegerter, Deb McGinn and Dianne Piepel. A video of the Smithsonian Institute’s Hometown Teams interactive display was presented. A power point of pictures from other communities who have hosted this exhibit gave those in attendance a chance to brainstorm ideas for Jefferson and Greene County.
Jefferson is one of six Main Street Iowa communities to be chosen to host this six week exhibit in 2018. The dates are Aug. 11 – Sept. 23, 2018. It is recommended to have local exhibits leading up to the Smithsonian exhibit to give it local ties and created enthusiasm to participate in it. Everyone agreed that this opportunity for students to see this type of exhibit will be fantastic and ideas were flowing from the group.
A list of committees (teams) needed was reviewed and many chose how they wanted to be involved.
Teams include:
Local Exhibition Team – planning local sports displays leading up to and during the exhibit
Program Planning Team – plan presentations & speakers leading up and during exhibit
Installation, Tear Down & Transport Team – handling of the Smithsonian exhibit
Budget & Fundraising Team – establishing a budget & raising funds through sponsors & grants
Marketing & Advertising Team – radio, newspaper, online news, social media, brochures, posters, TV, etc.
Education Team – making connections with K-12 to encourage participation
Exhibition Host Team – recruiting & scheduling volunteers for exhibit, group tours & collecting data
Calendar Manager – keeping all team’s progress & plans on an online calendar
Opening Events Manager – opening day ceremony to kick things off
If you would like to be involved or hear more about this project, please contact Peg Raney, Debra McGinn, Dianne Piepel or Roger Aegerter. This group is available for presentations to organizations and businesses.
Email director@jeffersonmatters.org or call 515-386-3585
Check our website under Events – Smithsonian Exhibit for updates