Across 2025-2026, this Smithsonian traveling exhibit tours six towns across the state, sparking conversations about innovation and invention in our rural communities. Learn how you can join us, below!
More about SPARK!
The Alabama Humanities Alliance has brought a new Smithsonian traveling exhibit to Alabama.
SPARK! Places of Innovation explores the places, people, and circumstances that ignite innovation and invention in rural communities across our nation. Our host partners in state will showcase local programming to complement the exhibit.
SPARK! visits six Alabama towns between June 2025 and March 2026. AHA will also offer a “Get the Scoop” public info session at each stop, sharing how Alabamians can engage with other AHA opportunities, including grants to support humanities-rich public programs in their communities.
Our thanks to Innovate Alabama and the Daniel Foundation of Alabama for sponsoring SPARK!
SPARK! Places of Innovation debuted in Sylacauga in June 2025, with more than 200 residents attending an opening reception, dozens of teachers attending a two-day SPARK!-inspired workshop, and hundreds of Alabamians coming to view the exhibit. Thanks to our host partner, the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Arts Center, as well as other community partners in the B.B. Comer Memorial Library, Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, and the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (EARTH).
Read all about it: The Smithsonian Arrives in Alabama
June 20 — July 19, 2025: Sylacauga
August 1-31, 2025: Dothan
September 23 — October 23, 2025: Brewton
November 11 — December 13, 2025: Uniontown
January 3 — February 10, 2026: Athens
February 20 — March 25, 2026: Fort Payne
The story of human history is written in inventions and innovations. Across our nation. And right here in Alabama. Join us in 2025-2026 to catch a new Smithsonian traveling exhibit touring the state … and spark some new ideas of your own!
Learn about the full tour
Presented in partnership with Design Alabama, this two-day summer workshop in Sylacauga complemented the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, SPARK!, sharing ideas for the classroom, plus resources, stipends, and professional development credits.
Read about the workshop