NEWTON, Iowa — The Legacy Plaza in Newton has opened their doors for a Smithsonian exhibit that highlights innovation in small towns.

Spark: Places of Innovation highlights rural towns around the country that have made significant contributions to culture, industry, and technology.

“It focuses on how innovative activities, whether it be cultural, through heritage, or through technology, are happening in rural America and in small communities,” said Erin Chambers, the Newton community development director. “They play a great role in America’s history and America’s future.”

The exhibit has interactive activities, videos, and product displays that help tell the stories of small towns who have made big changes despite facing obstacles.

“I think people might really enjoy this because it is a reflection of a lot of the great work that we see happening in the state of Iowa,” said Chambers. “I think that it tells a great story about how it doesn’t matter how large or small your community might be, you can do great things.”

The Jasper County Museum added to the exhibit with local Iowa innovations like Maytag and various agricultural advancements. Chambers says Newton is taking part in the challenge of small-town innovation right now.

“We have a strong history of innovation and entrepreneurship with the legacy of the Maytag Corporation, but also in recent past, having to reinvent the community in the post-Maytag era and continuing to move forward with cool and innovative ideas in terms of our downtown and new businesses.” said Chambers.

One member of the community says the exhibit not only taught her about ways small towns around the world have affected her, but has also given her ideas for Newton.

“I liked the part where they talked about a museum that has a petting zoo that they brought in for kids, and it helped more people want to come to their museum,” said Laura Bazal, a Newton resident. “I thought that was pretty brilliant because my kids would love to go to a petting zoo here in town.”

Bazal hopes the exhibit reminds people that just because they come from a small town, that doesn’t mean they can’t have an impact. She also hopes it fans the flames of innovation and change in Newton.

“I hope that people will get together and just start talking and sharing ideas,” said Bazal. “I think a lot of people have ideas, but if you don’t share them with each other or if you don’t start talking as a community, things just don’t get done.”

The exhibit is open till January 30 at Building 20 in Legacy Plaza and is free to attend. They are open on weekdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and January 11 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.