Rooted in Community: Preserving Local Histories and Creating Partnerships

Join a one-day convening in Pembroke, North Carolina, bringing the Smithsonian to you. By working with local leaders to identify the specific needs of their region, the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative builds trusted collaborations between the Institution and local partners. This work is informed by the results of a year-long Rural Needs Sensing research project reflecting the perspectives of more than 4,000 rural community members and stakeholders.

Together, we’ll explore how these insights can inform new opportunities for collaboration across North Carolina—strengthening rural and tribal communities and tourism efforts through storytelling, curation, and creative exchange. Through sessions led by Smithsonian and North Carolina partners, participants will engage in dialogue on preserving community histories, expanding access to cultural resources, and uplifting local voices across the region.