Between Fences

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home was proud to host the Smithsonian Institute's Museum on Main Street exhibition titled "Between Fences." The Opening Reception was held Friday evening, May 11, 2007 and drew a large number of people. The exhibit was open to the public daily from May 12 through June 23, 2007 with the generous support from the Mansfield Community Center.

Fences have become a part of our national landscape. Although we may not realize it we are surrounded by fences, both physical and virtual. Fences have defined our nation by outlining boundaries, securing animals and property, and providing direction as to what or who "belongs" on a particular side of a fence.

In our area of the Ozarks, noted for its rocky hills and hollows, people have for generations utilized the natural resources available for building and fencing materials, and the rock fences we often see are a testament to their hard work and dedication. These fences may be found scattered throughout the countryside, some only giving a hint at their past use and the skill and craftsmanship that went into each one. The programming included a slideshow that was enjoyed by young and old alike, and presentations of a variety of topics. One of the goals was to bring people together from all over the Ozarks to explore our heritage and attempt to "tear down" some of the virtual fences between places and people. From all accounts we succeeded!

Daniel Hancock, Intern Architect with the firm of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners from Springfield, Missouri, served as the Exhibit Design Consultant for this project. His outstanding design included not only the most efficient and attractive way to showcase the Smithsonian exhibits, as well as the large number of local exhibits and a presentation area.

Exhibit area for the Mansfield event - The original counter from Mansfield's MFA drew a lot of attention as so many recalled doing business there. The door screen served not only as a divider but made a wonderful exhibit space that highlighted certain "virtual" fences," such as gender, race and poverty as well as the drawings from Mrs. Greene's 3rd grade class from Wilder Elementary in Mansfield. Each elementary student was represented by a "picket" that they designed in Art class. The "picket fence" was then arranged around the exhibit space adding splashes of color as well as the children's perspectives on fences.

Program Description: How family stories and local legends create a community, a group of people who share a belief system and value system, and that one general effect is to both fence us in and fence others out.

Father Moses Berry drew a large crowd for his discussion of living "Between Racial Fences."

~Behind the Fences: Ozarks Jewish Life~

Mara Cohen Ioannides, Missouri State University

Program Description: This presentation gave a brief overview of Jewish theology and culture and contextualized it within the Ozarks.

~Mansfield Area Historical Society and the Douglas County Historical Society~

Program Description: Representatives from both museums discussed their collections and the items on display within the Between Fences exhibit

The Museum on Main Street program, a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), state humanities councils, and small museums in rural communities from all across the U.S., is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Their website www.museumonmainstreet.org provides detailed information about all of the exciting exhibits that are touring currently as well as plans for upcoming events.

The Missouri Humanities Council is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. It’s mission is “to help the people of Missouri learn about our history, our literature, and the ideas that shape our democracy.” Information about the Council is available by calling 1-800-357-0909 or on their website at http://www.mohumanities.org.