Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
Every small town is unique. Where the suburbs seem to have a chain store on every corner, and big cities live in their own little worlds, no two small towns are going to be exactly the same. They may have grown larger then smaller. They may be typical farm towns or company towns, college towns […]
This has been a great year for our blog here at JCShepard.com. A lot of things to discuss regarding Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Americana, wherever you may be. Now the holidays are upon us, let’s take a look back at the posts which you, our readers, have given the most interaction over the […]
September Sneak Preview As we turn the corner into September, we’re pausing to focus on a theme that blends past, present, and future in rural places: the power of heritage tourism. In towns across America, heritage isn’t just what you find in a museum—it’s the main street brickwork, the fall festivals, the oral histories passed […]
Why Rural Cultural Heritage Matters This four-part series, published during Preservation Month, explores the intersection of rural cultural heritage and community development, including historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Each article focused on a critical aspect of how traditions, historic places, and grassroots efforts contribute to the sustainability and resilience of small towns and rural communities: […]
Implementing arts-driven community and economic development to improve the places we live and love. Seasonal arts and culture ideas can be powerful drivers of economic growth in communities large and small, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering local engagement. For community planners and economic developers, these initiatives act as valuable “cultural anchors,” stabilizing local economies […]
In city centers, fairgrounds, and events centers across America, holiday markets, autumn boutiques, and seasonal activities bring communities together and infuse neighborhoods with vibrant, festive spirit. From cider mills to arts and crafts markets, these attractions offer city residents and visitors alike a chance to experience a slice of rural charm within an urban setting. […]
Wednesday 26 October 1881, is said to have been a chilly day at Tombstone, at an elevation of 4,500 feet in southern Arizona Territory. The territory had been contested by the Confederacy, but was established by the US Congress in 1863. By the 1880s, Arizona had over 40,000 residents and the mining town of Tombstone […]
Discover how Rural America is evolving by balancing tradition and modernization. Explore the impact of technology, infrastructure, and cultural preservation on small towns across the U.S.
