The Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) will unveil a new interactive exhibit at the 2015 Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
“It Takes An Iowan” focuses on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing endeavor of providing food for the nation and the world.
“I am excited this exhibit, educating all Iowans on the many roles we have played and continue to play in feeding the world, will be making its debut at the Iowa State Fair,” said Silos & Smokestacks President Cara Miller. “I hope my fellow Iowans will take advantage of the opportunity the exhibit provides to share how they will make a difference in helping to feed a growing population.”
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the global population will hit nine billion by 2050. Feeding the world is no small task and this exhibit features Iowans’ role in assisting those in need to meet the changing diets of billions. Visitors will learn Iowans are not only leaders in agriculture, but also in education, technology, communication, legislation and transportation.
“I hope this exhibit starts conversations and motivates people to research these topics, make their own informed decisions and help educate one another,” said Laura Elfers, Silos & Smokestacks education and interpretation manager.
“It Takes An Iowan” is number seven on the Iowa State Fair’s list of “Top 11 at the Fair” and will be located in the John Deere Agriculture Building. The exhibit features interviews and commentary from Iowa farmers, educators, inventors and agriculture leaders including United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. To follow the exhibit’s progress or to see where it will be on display next, visit www.ittakesaniowan.com.
The state fair will be held Aug.13-23.
SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities-past and present.
Source: IowaPork