The Kellerman Foundation of Cape Girardeau won a grant from The Smithsonian Institution to be one of five establishments in Missouri to showcase the “Water/Ways” exhibition.

The 20 cases housing the exhibit were so large, the door to Heritage Hall in downtown Cape needed to be removed in order to move the pieces inside. Volunteers for The Kellerman Foundation helped assemble the large collection in preparation for its opening on Monday, Oct. 19.

“Water/Ways” is a part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Program — an outreach program targeting rural communities throughout the United States providing educational resources through traveling exhibitions. The exhibit showcases the variety of ways water has an impact on our daily lives and how water has shaped cultures all over the world.

“I saw it as transportation and recreation, the things that one would expect,” President of The Kellerman Foundation Mary Ann Kellerman said. “But purification, health, safety and flooding. All of those things are part of the package. When you see the exhibit, you realize the immense amount of work that has gone into all these different areas.”

To coincide with the “Water/Ways” exhibit, the foundation is holding a photography contest for adults and children to celebrate water in everyday life. Photos and pictures should consist of anything water-related, and organizers encourage participants to use their imagination. Winners will receive a cash prize, and the winning photos will be displayed on social media.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Kellerman Foundation will host a Waterfest event, taking place in downtown Cape Girardeau on the corner of Themis and Water Street. The event is free to the public and will include family-friendly activities all central to the theme of water.

The Kellerman Foundation increased their hours of operation since the exhibit has opened to allow for more visitors.

“We will be open five days rather than the three. Ten to five, Wednesday through Sunday,” Kellerman said. “We also are happy to schedule any extra time for children’s groups, clubs or any organizations. They can call our office number, and we will be happy to schedule a separate time.”

“Water/Ways” is on display at the Heritage Hall until Jan. 13, 2021.

For more information about the “Water/Ways” exhibit and photography contest, visit The Kellerman Foundation website.