INDIAN HEAD, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Velocity Center, in partnership with the Life Journeys Writers Guild, has been selected as a host site for the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition “Spark! Places of Innovation.” The exhibition, part of the Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program, will be on display from May 17 to June 29, 2025.
“The College of Southern Maryland is thrilled and honored to partner with the Smithsonian Institution to host the “Spark!” exhibition at CSM’s Velocity Center in Indian Head,” said Lesley Quattlebaum, executive director of the CSM Velocity Center.
The Maryland Humanities Council announced that only six locations statewide were chosen from a competitive pool of 26 applicants, with the CSM Velocity Center earning the distinction of serving as the exhibition’s kickoff site. The tour highlights the creativity and ingenuity of rural communities across America through interactive features, artifacts, photographs, and videos.
Showcasing Local Innovation
Each host site is tasked with developing a companion exhibit that reflects its own region’s story. In Charles County, the exhibit will include additional displays throughout the county and various community-driven programs. Plans include collaborations with local schools, libraries, and organizations to ensure widespread community engagement.
At the Dec. 10, 2024, Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting, Quattlebaum emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“We hope for field trips from some of the local schools to visit a Smithsonian exhibit in their own community. We intend to highlight innovation and collaboration, which are the themes of the Velocity Center itself. We will also have a grand opening event for the community to see the unveiling of the exhibit and volunteer opportunities,” she said.
Additionally, Robert Forloney of Maryland Humanities highlighted the broader significance of the program.
“This will be the ninth tour and the second time Charles County has been involved with the program. Charles County is serving as the kickoff location for the entire tour,” Forloney said.
Free Access to Smithsonian Resources
The “Spark!” exhibition is free and open to the public, with materials provided by the Smithsonian at no cost. Maryland Humanities will also assist with securing additional funding and resources to enhance programming. Local field trips, volunteer opportunities, and a grand opening event are planned to encourage community participation.
Statewide Tour Schedule
Following its debut in Charles County, the “Spark!” exhibition will travel to five additional locations:
- Garrett County Historical Society (July 5 – Aug. 17, 2025)
- Captain Avery Museum (Aug. 23 – Oct. 5, 2025)
- Accokeek Foundation (Oct. 11 – Nov. 23, 2025)
- Kennard Alumni Association (Nov. 29, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026)
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Jan. 17 – March 1, 2026)
Exhibit Details
- Dates: May 17, 2025 – June 29, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Contact: velocitycenterprograms@csmd.edu
For more information on “Spark! Places of Innovation,” visit CSM’s event page. See the Maryland Humanities press release for additional details.
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