From The Southern Illinoisan
July 4, 2015
CARBONDALE — A Carbondale museum is one of six Illinois sites to host a Smithsonian Institution exhibit on water late next year.
The exhibit is “Water/Ways,” and through it, organizers discuss the importance of water to Americans and how it defines us.
The exhibit runs Dec. 10, 2016, to Jan. 22, 2017, at the Science Center of Southern Illinois in Carbondale. It was brought here through the Museum on Main Street program, which is a partnership between Illinois Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution.
“Water/Ways” organizers wanted guests to consider the ways we use water and what it symbolizes to us; how water unites and divides communities and how people resolve conflicts over this resource; how it affects the way we live, work, create, play and worship; and how we care for our water and protect it for future generations.
Illinois is bordered by the Mississippi River on the west and by the Wabash River and Ohio River on the south and southeast; the Illinois River runs through part of the state. Part of Illinois’ northeastern edge borders Lake Michigan.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 70 percent of the water drawn by state public water supplies come from lakes. Most of the states lakes are manmade.
“Water frequently serves as a vital symbol in our literature, visual art, music, folklore, and religious life,” said Matt Meacham, a program coordinator for Illinois Humanities. “Many of our most pressing public policy issues, from flood control to fracking, involve water. For all of these reasons, Water/Ways is sure to stimulate meaningful reflection and constructive conversation among Illinoisans.”
Several organizations applied to host the exhibit, but only six where chosen, Meacham said. “Water/Ways” will also be exhibited in Franklin Grove, Mahomet, Lawrenceville, Valmeyer and Channahon.
The Science Center is located at 1237 E. Main St., in University Mall across from Macy’s.
For more information, call 618-529-5431 or visit online at www.yoursciencecenter.org.