Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans: who has the right to vote, what are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens, and whose voices will be heard? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be a springboard for discussions about those very questions.
Voices and Votes is our third Smithsonian exhibition, funded through a Museums on Mainstreet grant by Florida Humanities. It features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision as we continue to question how to form “a more perfect union.”
Our exhibition also features art work created by two Sulphur Springs youth arts groups, and inspired by the theme of Democracy in America -- visual art by Community Stepping Stones, and poetry by Battleground Poets. And we offer an exciting series of talks by experts, highlighting key issues in the history and current state of democracy.