This article appeared in The Southern Illinoisan

COBDEN — The Union County Historical and Genealogy Society is one of six organizations in Illinois to host the newest Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Hometown Teams.

Opening in March 2014 Hometown Teams will capture the connection between towns and their teams. The exhibit will feature artifacts, stories and special events that will provide audiences a chance to explore how historic upsets, championship runs, rivalries, traditions, individuals and teams can leave an indelible mark on a community. An exhibition national in theme and local in scope, the local history and sports heritage of Cobden, Union County and the region will also be prominently featured. Women’s sports and early African-American teams will be a part of the program and exhibit.

Hometown Teams is part of the Museum on Main Street program, a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Illinois Humanities Council. The program brings Smithsonian quality exhibitions to local museums, historical societies, libraries and community centers around the country. Each exhibit celebrates and explores the local heritage within the context of a broad national theme.

Illinois is one of the six states chosen to premiere the exhibit. Other sites in Illinois chosen to host the exhibit are in Mattoon, Nokomis, Waterloo, Rock Island and Nauvoo.

The event is free and open to all audiences. For more information please contact Judy Travelstead at 618-893-2567 or Paulette Aronson at 618-893-2882.