{"id":7024967,"date":"2026-08-03T12:05:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T12:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/american-history\/the-work-of-making-community\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T12:05:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T12:05:16","slug":"the-work-of-making-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7024967","title":{"rendered":"The Work of Making Community"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Community is more than a place on a map. It is something people create through shared work, traditions, institutions, celebrations, and everyday efforts to build belonging.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Johnson County Museum\u2019s special exhibit, <em>Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County<\/em>, explores this process while revealing how local residents have interpreted and pursued the nation\u2019s founding ideals over time. Veterans and farmers, longtime residents and recent arrivals, and women and men have gathered, organized, celebrated, and worked together to meet common needs and make the places they lived feel like home. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their experiences also remind us that community has not always included everyone equally. The stories below offer just a few examples of how Johnson Countians have built connections, preserved traditions, and worked to improve the communities they shared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jeremiah McCanse Builds Community<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jeremiah McCanse \u2013 a Black Civil War veteran born enslaved in Missouri \u2013 helped shape community life in Johnson County during a time of transition and division. While the Civil War and the 13th Amendment ended slavery, restrictive Jim Crow laws soon brought fresh waves of violence and oppression against African Americans. Segregated communities, like the Fairview neighborhood in Olathe, emerged in towns across Kansas and the nation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5643\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/1-1876-jcm-2000-026-002j-jeremiah-mccanse\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2142,2645\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"1 1876 JCM.2000.026.002j Jeremiah McCanse\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photograph of Jeremiah McCanse, taken in 1899. At that time, McCanse operated a barbershop in Spring Hill, was a member of a Union veterans organization, and was on the community\u2019s school board.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg?w=390\" width=\"2142\" height=\"2645\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg\" alt=\"Black and white portrait of a Black man with short hair in a dark suit and white shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-5643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg 2142w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg?w=78&amp;h=96 78w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg?w=390&amp;h=482 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg?w=768&amp;h=948 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-1876-jcm.2000.026.002j-jeremiah-mccanse.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1778 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2142px) 100vw, 2142px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photograph of Jeremiah McCanse, taken in 1899. At that time, McCanse operated a barbershop in Spring Hill, was a member of a Union veterans organization, and was on the community\u2019s school board.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite this, McCanse prospered. In 1896, he opened a barbershop in Spring Hill, cutting white patrons\u2019 hair during the day and Black patrons\u2019 hair at night. More than a business, the shop became a gathering place and a source of community pride. As one local newspaper put it, McCanse\u2019s shop was \u201can ornament\u2026 and this city is justly proud of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McCanse formed community in other ways, too. He was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal and political organization for Union veterans. He also served on the Spring Hill school board, ensuring quality education for all children in his community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Farmers Organize Through the Grange<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 1867, the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry \u2013 better known as the Grange \u2013 was a grassroots movement to improve farmers\u2019 lives through education, cooperation, and political action. Johnson County\u2019s first chapter formed in Gardner in 1873. By 1884, there were over 1,200 members in 36 local chapters. As a membership roster from the Greenwood Grange near Shawnee shows, the Grange permitted both men and women as members. At a time when women had limited opportunities to be heard, membership in the Grange provided an important platform.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5645\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/2-6-3-grange_renner\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png\" data-orig-size=\"1648,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"2 6.3 grange_renner\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;This membership directory from the Greenwood Grange contains records dating from 1876 to 1942. The rural community was active in the Grange, and both men and women were members, as the names on this page indicate.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png?w=390\" width=\"1648\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png\" alt=\"Partial view of a yellowed printed record book with handwritten signatures in blue and black ink - columns include name and occupation. Men and women have written a farmer, a farmer's wife, and a farmer's daughter in the occupation line.\" class=\"wp-image-5645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png 1648w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png?w=77&amp;h=96 77w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png?w=390&amp;h=485 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png?w=768&amp;h=954 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2-6.3-grange_renner.png?w=1440&amp;h=1790 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1648px) 100vw, 1648px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>This membership directory from the Greenwood Grange contains records dating from 1876 to 1942. The rural community was active in the Grange, and both men and women were members, as the names on this page indicate.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Grange opened cooperative stores and banks, fought for fair railroad rates, and built a strong sense of fraternity. Its motto, \u201cIn essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity,\u201d reflected its values. Grangers believed that cooperation, education, and civic participation could strengthen both farming families and the communities they shared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Preserving Community History<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 1898, the Old Settlers\u2019 Association honors Johnson County\u2019s pioneers and longtime residents with annual gatherings filled with parades, crafts, food, and storytelling \u2013 preserving memories even as the county changed. Black and Mexican residents who lived nearby in Olathe were largely absent from or segregated in the event in its early years. The tradition has continued as an annual gathering for the whole community centered on local history and community identity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5647\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/3-1926-jcm-2012-006-001-071-old-settlers-crowd\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2086,1488\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"3 1926 JCM.2012.006.001.071 Old Settlers crowd\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;This photograph shows a large crowd at an Old Settlers\u2019 event in Olathe\u2019s Courthouse Square in September 1938.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg?w=390\" width=\"2086\" height=\"1488\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg\" alt=\"Black and white photo of a crowd of people in a park, with tents, trees, and downtown buildings in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-5647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg 2086w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg?w=128&amp;h=91 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg?w=390&amp;h=278 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg?w=768&amp;h=548 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-1926-jcm.2012.006.001.071-old-settlers-crowd.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1027 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2086px) 100vw, 2086px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>This photograph shows a large crowd at an Old Settlers\u2019 event in Olathe\u2019s Courthouse Square in September 1938.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Women Gather, Learn, and Lead<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before women could vote (1912 in Kansas, 1920 nationally), local women met to form community and seek improvement, education, and advancement in other ways. Women\u2019s clubs, church groups, and community organizations flourished, shaping civic life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many women met in rural farm homes or following church services on Sundays to quilt together. Quilting provided women a chance to socialize and problem solve while producing something practical. Quilting bees were important events, often taking place while men were planting, harvesting, or barn raising.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5648\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2743,2596\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.7&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Pixel 8 Pro&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1761320033&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;6.9&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;214&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.022222222222222&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"4 PXL_20251024_153353302\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Women\u2019s quilting bees were important social events at a time when farmers might live long distances from their nearest neighbors. This quilt was presented to Mary Elizabeth (Barkley) Harkey by her Spring Hill Sunday school students, each woman contributing a portion of the quilt. &lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2743\" height=\"2596\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg\" alt=\"Handmade quilt of yellowed light fabric with a checkerboard pattern of chimney block squares in various colors - red, yellow, blue, gray, brown, black -- with names handwritten in ink inside the squares. \" class=\"wp-image-5648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg 2743w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg?w=101&amp;h=96 101w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg?w=390&amp;h=369 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg?w=768&amp;h=727 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4-pxl_20251024_153353302.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1363 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2743px) 100vw, 2743px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Women\u2019s quilting bees were important social events at a time when farmers might live long distances from their nearest neighbors. This quilt was presented to Mary Elizabeth (Barkley) Harkey by her Spring Hill Sunday school students, each woman contributing a portion of the quilt.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some women joined women\u2019s clubs to learn together. For example, the Sigournean Club in Olathe had a large membership. The club was dedicated to \u201cmutual improvement and enlarging our general knowledge.\u201d Members studied literature, philanthropy, history, sociology, archaeology, zoology, anthropology, psychology, astronomy, hygiene, and drama, all in one year of programming. Other similar groups included the Young Women\u2019s Culture Class, whose motto was \u201cBe what you are, become what you can,\u201d and the women\u2019s literary and service organization, the Delphi Club.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5651\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/5-jcm-1996019006\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png\" data-orig-size=\"773,363\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"5 JCM 1996019006\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;This 1921 portrait shows 21 members of Olathe\u2019s Sigournean Club, one of several local organizations through which women gathered to learn and contribute to community life.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"773\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png\" alt=\"A black and white portrait of 21 white women of various ages against a dark backdrop.\" class=\"wp-image-5651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png 773w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png?w=128&amp;h=60 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png?w=390&amp;h=183 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5-jcm-1996019006.png?w=768&amp;h=361 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>This 1921 portrait shows 21 members of Olathe\u2019s Sigournean Club, one of several local organizations through which women gathered to learn and contribute to community life.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Carrying Community Traditions Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Johnson County\u2019s population has grown and become more diverse, cultural celebrations such as <em>quincea\u00f1eras<\/em> have become an increasingly visible part of community life. In November 2023, Kylie Reyes wore a sparkly pink dress, purchased at Oak Park Mall, for her own <em>quincea\u00f1era<\/em> (15th birthday). The festive event united family, friends, and community at the Johnson County Arts &amp; Heritage Center.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For decades, Kylie\u2019s grandparents, Clara and Manuel Reyes, had helped to form community in the Kansas City region. They published the regional bilingual newspaper, <em>Dos Mundos<\/em>, and later ran the Reyes Media Group in Kansas City, Kansas. Clara founded the paper in her Johnson County home to connect other immigrants like herself, and today it reaches more than 20,000 readers. The Reyes family story illustrates how cultural traditions strengthen community bonds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5652\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/07\/31\/the-work-of-making-community\/6-2-3-kylie-jpeg\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"6 2.3 Kylie jpeg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Kylie Reyes is pictured here in her sparkly purple quincea\u00f1era dress, along with her attendants, in November 2023. Her dress and tiara are prominently displayed in the Museum\u2019s Everyday Democracy exhibit. &lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"Color photograph of eight young women, seven in long blue gowns and high-heeled shoes, and one in a sparkly purple sequined ballgown with tiara.\" class=\"wp-image-5652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg 4032w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg?w=128&amp;h=96 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg?w=390&amp;h=293 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg?w=768&amp;h=576 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6-2.3-kylie-jpeg.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1080 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kylie Reyes is pictured here in her sparkly purple quincea\u00f1era dress, along with her attendants, in November 2023. Her dress and tiara are prominently displayed in the Museum\u2019s Everyday Democracy exhibit. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Continue the Story at the Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These stories represent only a few of the ways Johnson Countians have created belonging, cared for one another, and worked to improve the places they called home. <em>Everyday Democracy<\/em> invites visitors to consider not only how people in the past pursued Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, but also how each of us contributes to the community we share today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See these stories and many more at the Johnson County Museum. <em>Everyday Democracy<\/em> is included with regular Museum admission. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring a friend, relative, or neighbor to learn together and plan your visit at JCPRD.com\/Museum!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Community is more than a place on a map. It is something people create through shared work, traditions, institutions, celebrations, and everyday efforts to build belonging. The Johnson County Museum\u2019s special exhibit, Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County, explores this process while revealing how local residents have interpreted and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7024968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12032],"tags":[6876,2167,418],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7024967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-history","tag-community","tag-making","tag-work"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Work of Making Community - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7024967\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Work of Making Community - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Community is more than a place on a map. It is something people create through shared work, traditions, institutions, celebrations, and everyday efforts to build belonging. 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