The story of human history is written in inventions and innovations. People are problem solvers. Sometimes we invent—create a completely new thing or a process based on new ideas. More often, we innovate—that is, we introduce a fresh idea or an invention into use that creates a new way of doing or thinking.
Innovation is the subject of the latest Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit sponsored by Wyoming Humanities and made possible by supporters like you.
Spark! Places of Innovation is touring Wyoming through 2025. It has been in Torrington and opened in Douglas this week, with additional appearances in Casper, Powell, Cheyenne, and Buffalo.
The idea behind Spark! is that innovation can flourish in rural places. It takes creative thinkers, a spirit of collaboration and flexibility, leadership, an environment of free-flowing ideas, and a tolerance for taking risks.
There are many problems we face in rural communities. How do we encourage people to explore our town? How do we encourage more local businesses? How do we make vacant or blighted properties useful? How do we improve safety, housing, and health care?
Innovation, however, is not just limited to how we develop our communities—innovation also relates to how we come together to solve complex problems. How do we encourage more youth engagement, strengthen community relationships, and keep citizens informed and active in local government?
At its core, innovation is directly tied to the humanities.
The humanities foster innovation by developing critical thinking. Humanities subjects like literature, art, and philosophy encourage creativity and imagination. An understanding of the human experience channels values, cultures, and histories to create new ideas. Studying the humanities helps us navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas that come from those new ideas and technologies.
Innovation is important. It is fueled by the humanities, and it can address the challenges we face in our small and spread-out towns.
Your donations allow Wyoming Humanities to bring inspiring exhibits to more communities, where they can ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and encourage problem-solving. Your help gives us the opportunity to explore the ideas and stories that shape us. With your support, we can innovate.