INDIAN HEAD, Md. — The Smithsonian’s Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition opened at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Velocity Center on May 21, 2025, inviting visitors to explore how rural communities drive meaningful change through creativity and collaboration. The exhibit, part of Maryland Humanities’ Museum on Main Street program, will remain on view through June 29, 2025, before traveling to five other Maryland locations.
Hosted in partnership with Life Journeys Writers Guild, the exhibition highlights the social, artistic, technological, and cultural strengths of rural areas across the United States. Interactive displays encourage attendees to reflect on innovation in their own communities and contribute ideas to a community insights wall. The Velocity Center, located at 4465 Indian Head Highway, was chosen as the first Maryland stop for its role as a hub of problem-solving and revitalization in Indian Head.
“This collaborative makerspace is a powerful example of rural innovation and what can happen when community partners come together to explore what is possible and then make it happen,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson during the opening reception.
The Velocity Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on June 19 for the holiday. Visitors can engage with the exhibit’s interactive elements, which emphasize that innovation is not limited to technology but includes creativity, flexibility, and courage.
“This exhibit reflects the values that fuel real innovation, including creativity, collaboration, flexibility, and courage,” Dr. Wilson said. “It is about seeing challenges through a new lens, finding possibility where others see limits, and leveraging collective strengths to build something greater.”
Companion events will connect the exhibition’s themes to Southern Maryland. Life Journeys Writers Guild will host satellite exhibits at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, and the St. Charles Towne Center. The organization will also lead a six-part writing and mentoring workshop series and screen two original short films. Additional programs are planned at local libraries and festivals throughout the summer.
“We live and thrive through storytelling,” said Yvonne Medley, executive director of Life Journeys Writers Guild. “That is how we preserve our experiences, inspire others, and celebrate the richness of the literary arts. Spark! gives us the chance to do all of that together.”
Medley acknowledged local partners, including the Charles County Public Library, Charles County Government, and Charles County Arts Alliance, for their support. Lesley Quattlebaum, executive director of the Velocity Center, welcomed guests at the opening and emphasized the universal potential for innovation.
“We believe innovation can and does happen everywhere, especially in places like ours, where people bring heart, grit, and vision to the table,” Quattlebaum said.
The Spark! exhibition is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program, which brings high-quality exhibits to rural communities. MoMS collaborates with state humanities councils to foster civic pride and community dialogue by celebrating local heritage and voices. The program has reached small towns across the United States, showcasing stories of innovation and resilience.
The Velocity Center’s selection reflects Indian Head’s ongoing revitalization efforts. The town, located in Charles County, has embraced the makerspace as a catalyst for collaboration and growth. The exhibition’s text underscores its core message: “It can happen anywhere.”
Visitors are encouraged to visit the Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition to explore how rural communities are shaping the future through collective ingenuity.
