Foundation Reports Smithsonian Water Exhibition Resounding Success

LANDING - The Lake Hopatcong Foundation reports that its six-week showing of the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition “Water/Ways” was a resounding success.

Through a selection of photographs, objects, film, audio and interactives, “Water/Ways” explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment. 

“Watching the way different people were drawn into different aspects of the exhibit really showcased how deeply humanity is connected with water, and how it resonates with us in a variety of ways. Universally, people were captivated and engaged in the topic of water and all its facets, which was a joy to witness over the six weeks we hosted the MoMS Water/Ways exhibition,” said Lake Hopatcong Foundation President Jessica Murphy.

Complementary local programs were held in conjunction with “Water/Ways,” including the Wild & Scenic Film Festival held at the Palace Theatre in Netcong and the community conversation, “What is YOUR Water Story,” held at the Mount Arlington Public Library.

“We’re thrilled with the community’s response to ‘Water/Ways’,” said Lake Hopatcong Foundation Grants and Program Director Donna Macalle-Holly.  “More than 700 people came through our Environmental and Cultural Center to experience the exhibition. By working with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, we have been able to offer a wide variety of educational programs for the entire community. We hope to build on these experiences with future program plans.”  

“Water/Ways” is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more visit www.museumonmainstreet.org, www.sites.si.edu, or njhumanities.org.

Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress. The exhibit is sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the lake environment and enhancing the lake experience by bringing together public and private resources to encourage a culture of sustainability and stewardship on and around New Jersey’s largest lake, for this and future generations. To learn more, visit lakehopatcongfoundation.org.