Right now on Main Street in Newport, the Smithsonian’s “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” exhibition is telling a powerful story about why our corner of Vermont continues to be such a special place to live. Currently on display at the NEK Tasting Center, this interactive exhibition reveals fascinating glimpses into Orleans County’s past while celebrating what makes rural communities like ours so resilient and authentic.
Did you know Barton was originally called Providence? Or that Derby once had a bustling drive-in theater? These discoveries await visitors as they explore historic photographs and community stories spanning generations from Newport, Albany, Brownington, Craftsbury, Derby, and Glover. The exhibition showcases how these towns have evolved while maintaining their essential character—that authentic community spirit that’s increasingly rare in today’s world.
Perhaps most compelling is the exhibition’s interactive section where visitors share their visions for the future. Community members have been responding to questions like “How do you see your town in 10 years?” One particularly meaningful response simply read: “a community space where people could gather.” It perfectly captures Newport’s spirit—a place where people genuinely care about building something lasting together.
The exhibition addresses how less than 18 percent of Americans now live in rural areas, but reframes this as an opportunity. Small towns like Newport have discovered that their greatest assets aren’t just scenic beauty or affordable living—they’re the cultural uniqueness and genuine community connections that urban areas struggle to replicate. In Newport, you can build a meaningful life surrounded by natural beauty and authentic human connections, where your presence makes a difference and local history is still being written.
For families considering rural Vermont, young professionals seeking work-life balance, or retirees looking for genuine community, Newport offers something increasingly precious: a place where neighbors matter, where community engagement is expected, and where the future looks as bright as the meaningful past.
The “Crossroads” exhibition runs through September 28 at the NEK Tasting Center, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But the real exhibition is Newport itself—a community that honors its past while boldly building its future.