Athens, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Athens has a rich African American history that spans many generations, yet has lacked an appropriate venue to share its stories. The Downtown Athens Development Authority created a permanent exhibit at the Ware-Lydon House Museum about people enslaved in the region, which also featured stories about their descendants. The exhibit was developed alongside the museum's new, 40-volume African American heritage library and community conversation area, which includes tables and chairs where visitors can gather. Additionally, the Authority developed the first section of an African American Heritage Pathway walking tour, which travels between the museum and the home of one of the first vaudeville theaters in the U.S. built, owned, and operated by a Black entrepreneur.

Manning, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Manning City Hall possesses a collection of important historical artifacts, but because of space constraints, most of them were kept in storage in the building's basement. To allow residents to see the items, the City of Manning installed eighteen glass display cases and placed them throughout the community, creating a reverse museum tour. They distributed brochures explaining how a reverse museum helps display artifacts without the cost of building a standalone facility. The leaflets also give information on the artifacts displayed, which range from small trinkets to World War II nurse's uniforms. Project organizers say the displays have inspired residents to explore their own basements and attics in search of more items to donate. The project also sparked the local library to open a designated room -- dubbed the vault -- to host larger exhibits.

Omaha, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: The North Omaha neighborhood has experienced economic challenges due to a local history of systemic racism and environmental pollution. ONE Omaha set out to invest in the community, supporting neighborhood associations' work to address local concerns. They hosted Omaha NeighborFest 2018, an gathering aimed at teaching residents community development skills. At the event, ONE Omaha conducted a series of workshops and demonstrations on how to activate spaces and engage people. More than 600 city residents attended, including those historically left out of local decision making. The event spurred tangible change in the neighborhood, including a beautification effort to install recycling kiosks and a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.