Coming Home: Stories from Main Street is a collaboration that combines the Rural Community Assistance Partnership's "Rural Homecoming" initiative with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program. Coming Home engages youth in exploring their town’s past and thinking about its future. This program is a remarkable experience for local participants. Rural youth often feel disconnected from local culture. They may feel that adults do not listen to them or that their town’s history does not matter. This project helps to overcome those barriers.
The North Grove One Room School
Kaleigh Ibarra interviews two women who were former students at a one-room school house.
Students at Cortland Elementary interviewed the town's mayor, area residents, and students about the history of a beloved parade. The video's interviewers were Jaxen M. and Jaycob Q. Yvonne Boose and Jaxen M. were the editors.
Felipe Beharovic, Jerry Malmassari and Oliver Keicher share the history behind Pumpkin Festival.
Students at Cortland Elementary interviewed residents about the history of the railroad in their town. The video was directed by Jack N. and Amilynn M.
History of Cortland Elementary Safety
Students at Cortland Elementary interviewed a local resident and teachers at their school to assess past and present school safety issues.
The 1984 Olympic Torch in Sycamore
Elise Goodman interviewed people who were involved in the 1984 Olympic Torch run in DeKalb County.