Redlanders really want to know: ‘Do you have a citrus tree?’
David Allen reported on the Redlands version of the city “icebreaker question” as reported by Deborah Fallows in Our Towns. It’s “what high school did you go to?” in St.…
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Articles & News
Learning to Expect the Unexpected
Anythink Libraries Serve Adams County Through a Spirit of Hospitality and Innovation
What America’s Small Towns Tell Us About Democracy
Ten Across Founder Duke Reiter talks to veteran journalists James and Deborah Fallows, who have recently traveled the country reporting from America’s small towns to explore the nation’s growing fragmentation…
Warrior-Scholar Project Prepares Veterans to Succeed in College
In his recent story on the Williams College Warrior-Scholar Project, Stephen Dravis discusses the contribution made to a recent Humanities Academic Bootcamp by guest speaker James Fallows. Fallows told the…
Polycentric Power in Your Community
What power do communities have at the local level when it comes to the environment?
Bucksport Maine Finds Its Heart & Soul
How can person-to-person democracy be revived? A one-time mill town in coastal Maine is a laboratory for a new approach.
Living Through History: a Reading List
The 1880s, the 1930s, the 1950s—they dramatically reshaped America. The 2020s are likely to do so as well.
Featured by UCD Clinton Institute
In his recent column “American Renewal After the Pandemic,” Derek Shearer features Deb and Jim Fallows and their reporting in the Our Towns book and expansion of their work with…
Greater than the Sum of its Parts
How Gender and Racial Biases Create Ironies that Defeat Good Organizations
Referenced in Baptist News Global
In their column “Let’s reimagine how your church property might serve the community,” Brian Foreman and Justin Nelson reference “Our Towns” and the travels of Deb and Jim Fallows. They…
‘A New Citizenry Around Truth’
How can the people who invented digital mapping technology avoid worrying about writing the next chapter in the history of disinformation?
Brimming with a Sense of Possibility and Positivity with the Wind Finally at Our Backs Again
“Our Towns” Reader Response Roundup features film screening feedback, a unique effort to support libraries nationwide, and national perceptions being addressed at the local level.
Charleston, West Virginia Celebrates Charly Jupiter Hamilton
“‘The Wonder Mural’ by Charly Hamilton changed an entire community. Through inclusion, Charly made a piece for the community by literally painting the community.”
Why Maps Matter, Starting in Childhood and Even More Now
A "geo-historical narrative" captured the imagination of many children in mid-20th century America. Maps have always had power to shape perceptions of reality. A memoir about their influence--and an introduction of what's to come.
Organizational Irony in Small Town USA
What can a look at the paradoxes of power and failed leadership teach communities?
A Message to the Class of 2021
What's a Mike? And what makes a Mike Mighty?