'Between the Fences' a huge success

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PRINCETON — Princeton Public Library reports that its six-week showing of the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition “Between Fences” was a resounding success. The exhibit is now on display at the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center in Arcloa.

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, “Between the Fences” delighted record-breaking audiences with its exploration of the multiple meanings behind these everyday icons. Whether made of split rails, decorative white pickets, or tall chain link, audiences learned how a fence conveys information about the people who built it, how they view and use their property, and the nature of their relations with their
neighbors.

Complimentary local programs included artifacts from the Galena Trail Society, the Owen Lovejoy Homestead, the Bureau County Historical Society and more.

“We’re thrilled with the community reaction to Between Fences,” said Library Director Grant Lynch. “By hosting a Smithsonian exhibition at our institution, we were able to increase our program attendance numbers and garner more exposure for Princeton Public Library.  It is a direct result of working with the Illinois Humanities Council, local cultural organizations and businesses that we were able to offer a wide variety of educational programs for the entire community.  It is my hope that the overwhelming success of the “Between the Fences” exhibit will help to expand our volunteer base for future events, as well as to give the Princeton and the outlying Bureau County many more opportunities for involvement, educational programming, and recreation.”