Exhibit looks into future's past

In its effort to bring history and culture to the communities of America, the Smithsonian Institution has found a real live wire in McCook, Nebraska.

First was the "Barn Again!" exhibit, which brought rave reviews for the success of the showing at the Museum of the High Plains in McCook.

In part because of the success of that event, the High Plains Museum has attracted another exhibit. The latest one -- called "Yesterday's Tomorrows" -- will reach McCook Wednesday, Sept. 10, and will be here until Monday, Oct. 6.

The timing couldn't be better because the display spans the Heritage Days celebration and the dates permit visits from students, who are now back in class in area schools.

While the exhibit will be impressive -- showing "past visions of the American future" -- what sets McCook apart is the added events made possible by community-wide cooperation.

Under the able leadership of the McCook project director, Merrill Ream, the program here has grown to include multiple events at the museum, as well as activities at the Norris Home, Fox Theater, Community Hospital and McCook Community College.

Make it a point to attend as many of the events as you can, because -- in the middle of America -- we don't get many chances like this.

Among the offerings will be a college class, starting a week before the exhibit, in which instructors Sue Watt and Ream will show films from the past, analyzing how they pictured the future which we are now living.

Another program of special interest will be a presentation by Dave Murphy, associated with the state historical agency, who will portray and discuss unique homes in this area. In addition, John Carter of the state historical staff, will be making a presentation at the Norris Home. That will be a treat, as those who have heard John on previous visits to McCook can attest. Meanwhile at the hospital, an iron lung, used for polio patients, will be on display. Dr. Don Morgan, a member of the "Yesterday's Tomorrows" planning group, spearheaded that exhibit.

As for the museum, it will be a hot bed of activity during the "Yesterday's Tomorrows" 26-day stay in McCook. While viewing the panorama of panels, exhibit visitors will also get to see the historic Palisade pictures, which depict life in Southwest Nebraska between 1900 and 1930, and old-style clothing styles, developed as historical projects by Red Willow County 4-H'ers.

Then, there will be the big day, Saturday, Sept. 13, when a Century of Cars will be displayed on the block in front of the museum. Autos from every decade from the 1900s to 2000s will be on display. State historical society officials will be here for the grand opening, which will also feature a postal cancellation stamp inscribed with "Yesterday's Tomorrows. High Plains Museum. McCook, Nebraska" for that one day only.

McCook and the Smithsonian Institution. Yesterday and Tomorrow. By blending the best of both, the exhibit in McCook has the potential to once again rank as a model for America.