“How we define rural is very personal and why we care about it is often for very personal reasons too.”
On This Episode
We sit down with Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, a historian whose work brings the complex and often misunderstood story of rural America to life. Dr. Riney-Kehrberg helps us unpack two chapters from the Routledge History of Rural America: “What, and Where, is Rural America” and “The Rural Midwest.”
We discuss how rural life is defined, why it holds such a strong place in the American imagination, or how rural communities can navigate challenges like population decline and brain drain.
About Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg
Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg is a Professor of History at Iowa State University, where she coordinates the doctoral program in Rural, Agricultural, Technological, and Environmental History. A former president of the Agricultural History Society, Dr. Riney-Kehrberg has authored several notable books on the history of rural America, including Rooted in Dust: Surviving Drought and Depression in Southwestern Kansas (Kansas, 1994) and Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play and Coming of Age in the Midwest (Kansas, 2005).
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Riney-Kehrberg through my participation in The Rural Experience in America, a three-year grant program from the National Council for History Education (NCHE) in partnership with the Library of Congress. This program aimed to amplify rural stories by connecting school educators with public historians, and Dr. Riney-Kehrberg was one of its inspiring collaborators. Along with my community partner, Sue Scott from the Western Illinois Museum, I witnessed firsthand her dedication to preserving and sharing the complexities of rural history. Her passion for uncovering these narratives continues to influence educators, historians, and communities alike.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What Is Rural America, Really? Rural identity is more than geography. Definitions can vary depending on who you ask—the Census Bureau or residents themselves.
- Misconceptions About Rural Life: Rural communities are often stereotyped as stagnant or isolated. Dr. Riney-Kehrberg reveals how these depictions overlook many rural people.
- The Decline of Small Towns: From post-WWII opportunities to the economic shocks of the 1980s, we explore why some communities thrived while others struggled.
- Opportunities for Rural Renewal: Challenges like population decline and infrastructure needs also present opportunities for innovation and growth, especially for young people drawn to the pace and freedom of rural life.
- The Role of Education: Dr. Riney-Kehrberg emphasizes the power of local history and storytelling in education to foster pride and connection in rural youth.
“To truly understand where we are today, we have to think about how people lived, worked, and adapted in a different time.”
Discussion Questions:
- How do you define rural America? Does your definition align with Dr. Riney-Kehrberg’s insights?
- What are some misconceptions about rural life that you’ve encountered? How do they shape public perceptions of rural communities?
- In what ways can local history and storytelling play a role in revitalizing rural communities?
- What challenges and opportunities do you see for young people in rural areas today?
- How can partnerships between schools, local governments, and community organizations create sustainable growth for rural towns?
Sources to Explore:
- Pamela Riney-Kehrberg & Jeff Bremer: Authors of “The Rural Midwest” featured in the Routledge History of Rural America.
- Dr. Riney-Kehrberg’s book: Always Plenty to Do: Growing Up on a Farm in the Long Ago
- NCHE Rural Experience in America
- “Rural Shrink Smart” initiatives and Main Street programs for rural renewal
- Patrick Carr and Maria Kefalas, Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What it Means for America – A book about the challenges and opportunities of rural migration
- Forgottonia Project Facebook Page
The Forgottonia Project 
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