Volunteers are needed at the traveling exhibit in Newton that’s associated with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. The free exhibit called “Spark! Places of Innovation” pays tribute to innovation in rural America. The Jasper County Historical Society partnered with the Newton Historical Preservation Commission to bring artifacts and content related to Newton and Jasper County into the exhibit as well.

Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers says the city is looking for volunteers to help with the exhibit.

“If there are people who think this sounds like an awesome opportunity, one of the requirements the Smithsonian has is that we have an adult manning the exhibit during the hours it’s open.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Erin Chambers at the Newton Community Development Office (641) 792-6622.

The traveling Smithsonian exhibit is at Legacy Plaza’s Building 20 through Thursday, January 30th. It is open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be special Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 11th and January 25th. 

Grinnell College paid to bring the exhibit to Iowa.