Local Sports Calendar

Illinois Humanities is proud to announce thatSeeding Change? The Future of Our Farms and Communitiesis coming toGreenville andShelbyville. This traveling program series gathers people to talk about the future of agriculture and rural Illinois communities – complete with a free, delicious meal and local entertainment to feed mind and body.

The series kicks off in GreenvilleonFriday, August 19^that5:30pm at theAmerican Heritage Farm Museum (1395 Museum Avenue, Interstate 70, Exit 45). Simon King, director of the Carnegie Mellon University Design Center, will give an opening presentation andAlan Guebert, author and columnist withThe Farm & Food File, will give a response. A free, locally-sourced meal will be provided by Adam Brothers and the evening will feature music byThe King Family Band.

Join us in ShelbyvilleonSaturday, August 20^that4:00pmat theChautauqua Auditorium(East N. 9^thSt. & Park Place) for a discussion on the state of the agriculture industry featuring agricultural historian Steve John, executive director of the Agricultural Watershed Institute, and Simon King, director of the Carnegie Mellon University Design Center. A free, locally-sourced meal will be provided by Pit Boss BBQ, and the evening will conclude with a musical performance fromThe Old Time Fiddlers.

These events are part of a larger series focusing on the future of agriculture in central and southern Illinois, with a culminating event in Cobden. At each event, Simon King, who grew up on a farm in rural Michigan, will speak about how technological innovation might change the future of small farms and industrial agriculture alike. Other presenters and audience members are invited to respond to the presentation from a regional perspective, and share thoughts about how future agricultural shifts could affect local communities in the coming years.

“Like many Illinoisans, I come from a family with a history of farming, grew up surrounded by cornfields and orchards, and am seriously interested in the influence of agriculture upon the economies and cultures of our rural communities,” Matt Meacham, a program coordinator at Illinois Humanities, says. “Also like many Illinoisans, I find it challenging to keep up with this constantly changing industry. This program is an opportunity for Illinois Humanities to listen, learn, and find out more about how we might be able to contribute positively to the relationship between the agricultural sector and rural communities in our state.”

Please join us on Friday, August 19^thor Saturday, August 20^thfor this free event. Space is limited, so please RSVP online ( https://www.ilhumanities.org/program/seeding-change-the-future-of-our-farms-and-communities/) or contact Program Coordinator Matt Meacham at matt.meacham@ilhumanities.orgor(312) 422-5589.

About Illinois Humanities

Illinois Humanities is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with a mission to strengthen society by fueling inquiry and conversation about the ideas and works that shape our culture. Illinois Humanities engages communities across Illinois in conversation in a variety of humanities programs that focus on Public Policy, Media & Journalism, Business, and Art. Illinois Humanities lowers barriers to participation and offers access to programs, events, and grants to all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Illinois Humanities is supported by state, federal, and private funds.For more, visit www.ILhumanities.org