A traveling museum called “People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors” will visit Louisville from May 14 to 16, according to an April 15 announcement. The mobile exhibit, sponsored by Catholic Charities USA in partnership with Catholic Charities of Louisville, will be open to the public at Waterfront Park under the Big Four Bridge. Admission is free, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 14 and 15, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 16.
The exhibit aims to share stories that highlight acts of mercy and hope within communities across the United States. Organizers say it is intended to promote empathy and inspire visitors to find ways they can serve those in need locally.
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre is scheduled to open the event with a special blessing and tour for volunteers at 10 a.m. on May 14. Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO of Catholic Charities of Louisville, said, āWe invite the entire community to visit the People of Hope Museum to witness ļ¬rst-hand the good that can be accomplished when a community puts mercy into action and hope into practice.ā
The “People of Hope” mobile museum began its three-year national journey in New York on March 26 and will visit more than 150 communities during its tour through December in eastern states before heading west in future years. The initiative is supported by nearly $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life.
Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, said at the opening event in New York that this venture āis a testament to mercy, service, hope, compassion and faith.ā The retrofitted tractor-trailer houses video stories told by staff and volunteers about serving others during difficult times; it also includes interactive features such as a poverty simulator and recording studio for visitors’ own stories.
Catholic Charities of Louisville seeks volunteer tour hosts for this event; those interested may contact Debbie Belt via email or phone for more information.
The Archdiocese of Louisville promotes Catholic spiritual development while supporting outreach through various ministries according to its official website. It maintains archives safeguarding historical documents from institutions and clergy according to its official website, aligns as an ecclesiastical territory within the Roman Catholic Church according to its official website, spreads Gospel teachings while advancing justice according to its official website, operates under guidance from consultative groups led by the Archbishop according to its official website, and provides pastoral care across central Kentucky parishes according to its official website.
