PINCKNEYVILLE - When the Smithsonian Institute's "Between Fences" exhibit comes to Pinckneyville next month, it will tell stories of barriers both physical and symbolic.

The exhibit, which has been sponsored by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Humanities Council, will be on display at the Perry County Fairgrounds from Oct. 16 to Nov. 23

In addition to the exhibit, the chamber has also planned a variety of other events featuring local residents said Tibretta Reiman, general manager of the Foundation for the Future of Pinckneyville.

A major part of the exhibit will focus on the life and times of Virginia Marmaduke.

Marmaduke made a name for herself in the world of journalism through her work as a crime reporter.

She was also the first woman to hold many honors including a position on the Chicago Sun Times editorial board, a byline on a Chicago sports story and recognition as Press Veteran of the Year from the Chicago Press Veterans Association in 1979.

Marmaduke retired from Chicago journalism and moved to Perry County. She died Nov. 8, 2001, at Pinckneyville Community Hospital. A six-person panel will discuss her life and legacy on Nov. 15 as part of the "Fence" exhibit.

"They're going to talk about Virginia and her life and the barriers she had to overcome," Reiman said. "The tie to 'Fences' is those barriers."

Other participants in exhibit-themed events will include Debra Reid, an associate professor of history at Eastern Illinois University; Harold Eddy, who will demonstrate wire making techniques, and Robert Fox of Coulterville, who will dress in authentic 1890s era coal miner attire and talk about the mining industry of that time period.

Rend Lake College will also be sponsoring an essay contest for students in its district, Reiman said. The winner of the contest will earn one semester's tuition to the college.

Another highlight of the event will be a visit from a Chicago-area freelance radio journalist, who will talk with visitors and volunteers for a 10-minute radio story. The story will be one of four parts in a series highlight the state humanities council's most interesting programming of the year. It will air in January.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Volunteers are needed to help with the exhibit. These people will essentially serve as tour guides, leading visitors through the exhibit and programs. training workshops for volunteers will take place at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Perry County Fairgrounds. The trainings will last 90 minutes and attendance at one is required for all volunteers. For more information, contact Tibretta Reiman at 571-1171 or pvfuture@gmail.com.