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The Texas Historical Commission (THC) will begin accepting applications from host communities for the Museum on Main Street traveling exhibitions program on February 15, 2025.

Created in 1994, Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) division, which aims to engage small-town audiences and revitalize underserved rural communities. THC's Heritage Tourism Program serves as the MoMS state partner organization, coordinates the Texas tour, and facilitates extensive planning that consists of exhibitions training, event and product development, community collaboration, marketing, fundraising, and more.

The upcoming 2026 tour will feature Spark! Places of Innovation. Inspired by an exhibition by the National Museum of American History, Spark! explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that spark innovation and invention in rural America.

Six small towns will be selected to host this exhibition and receive over a year of heritage tourism training and consultation led by THC staff and partners. A variety of community-based organizations are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to museums, designated Main Street districts, tourism organizations, public libraries, and other entities who are interested in transforming their local heritage into an economic boon for their community.

Cities with a population of 20,000 or fewer are eligible to host. Communities exceeding that population should inquire directly with the THC’s Heritage Tourism team before applying.

To learn more and apply to be a host community, contact the Texas Historical Commission. Applications open February 15, 2025, and will be accepted through April 15, 2025. A virtual info session for prospective applicants will be held in March.