Voices and Votes Exhibit : Democracy in America
This traveling exhibit is hosted by Tom & O. E. Stigall Ethnic Library and History Museum and will be displayed at The Stigall Center (Old Stigall Gym) 550 North 6th Ave, Humboldt, Tennessee. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide.
- Who has the right to vote?
- What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?
- Whose voice will be heard?
- How do you participate as a citizen?
- How do we encourage more people participate in our democracy?
Voices and votes: Democracy in America is a spring board for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision. From revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story-the story of democracy in America.
Voices and votes is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy : A Great Leap of Faith. Content development was led by Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus in the Division of Political History at the National Museum of American History. Voices and Votes has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival videos, engaging multimedia interactive with short games and additional footage, photos, and information and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
Voices and Votes also offers an exciting educational component called “American Experiment.” This companion traveling trunk will have a collection of activities designed to engage visitors inside the exhibition as well as students in the classroom. A “Head-to-Head” challenge asks visitors to select their choice for the American who changed the nation the most or the “American” food, Leave your opinion of “I believe good citizens should…” with a fellow citizen” photo opportunity. Finally, see where you stand in comparison to others in a voting game posing thought-provoking questions about our democracy, citizenship, and voting. “American Experiments” is just one example of the man rich programming opportunities Voices and votes open up for communities.
Americans of every ethnicity, class, and state share the revolutionary sprit of rising up and speaking out. The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees this right to peaceably assemble and petition the government. Whether by carrying signs and petitioning with our feet or lobbying our representatives, there are many ways citizens can make their voices heard.
The Voices and Votes Exhibit will be on display at the Stigall Center (Old Stigall Gym) 550 N. 6th Av. Humboldt, Tennessee. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am to 3pm. For group visitation on any given day and time call 731-618-1258. Opening date is November 28, 2023 closing date January 7, 2024. Press Release Date is Tuesday December 5, 2023 time 6pm.
