While you still have to head to Washington D.C. to check out all of the Smithsonian museums, one of their exhibits is currently in Dade City. It's all about sports and the impact they have on society.

From little leagues to school teams to the pros, it's all commemorated in “Hometown Teams."

"Wherever we turn there are signs of sports in our lives -- what we talk about, what we buy, what we eat," Pioneer Florida Museum Executive Director Stephanie Black said.

The Pioneer Florida Museum received a grant from the Florida Humanities Council to bring this exhibit to Dade City. Black hopes it will bring more exposure to their facility.

"It brings people all over to see this exhibit, but not only this exhibit -- everything we have at the museum," Black explained. "We're 6 1/2 acres of buildings and displays here. A lot of people still don't know we're here."

And there's plenty to do to get the entire family engaged with several interactive components.

With all the different sports teams represented from all across the county, it's fun to try and see if there are sections featuring your team.

The museum did add their own components to the exhibit, like a section dedicated to James “Mudcat” Grant, a former major league baseball pitcher originally from our area.

Photo: Kim Leoffler, staff

"It's hometown teams -- we have to get our hometown teams involved," Black said.

The museum wants to get its hometown teams in on the fun, too.

"In conjunction with this and the grant money we received, we sponsored a Dade City little league team and any Dade City little league child that comes in in their journey gets in free," she added.

The exhibit will be in Dade City until April 28. The museum is also having several special events during the exhibit. To learn more or plan your visit, just visit their website.