Latinos in Rural America (LiRA) is a public humanities project designed to broaden knowledge, engagement and understanding of the Latino/a experience in rural Ohio.

This project pursues the goal of providing an intimate window into the lives, origins and aspirations of Latinos in Knox County, home to Kenyon College. The oral history project is rooted in interviews and direct personal interactions with members of the community who represent diverse economic conditions, stages of life and aspirations within the broad social fabric of Knox County.

LiRA was undertaken by Clara Román-Odio, professor of Spanish and director of the Latino/a studies program at Kenyon College and the principal project investigator; Amelia Dunnell '17, a Kenyon Summer Scholar; and Patricia Mota '16, a Kenyon Summer Research Fellow.

The exhibit is organized into three distinct but complementary elements: a series of 10 bilingual panels that provide snapshots into the lives of Latino families in Knox County; a video that provides the audience an opportunity to experience Latinos talking about their lives; and a reflection piece in which we ask the audience to provide feedback on their experiences after having seen the exhibit.

Watch the LiRA video

Open Doors College Preparation Program

Open Doors College Preparation Program Poster

EXHIBIT DATES AND LOCATIONS

The exhibit was on display at several locations throughout the county before finding a permanent home in Kenyon College's community engagement office.

December 1-18, 2015
The Presidential Lobby, Olin Library, Kenyon College
103 College Drive, Gambier, OH 43022

January 13-27, 2016
Mount Vernon Public Library
201 N Mulberry St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

February 9-23, 2016
Global Gallery, Hagerty Hall, The Ohio State University
1775 College Rd Columbus, OH 43210

March 30-April 12, 2016
MacMillan Hall Gallery, Miami University of Ohio
531 East Spring St., Oxford, OH 45056

This program is made possible in part by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Any views, finding conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.