Voices and Votes: Democracy in America – Voices In American History: Words and Music From Our Nation’s Past

Description

We are proud to host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition presented in partnership with Georgia Humanities, on view July 23 through September 5, 2026. The exhibition explores the evolution of American democracy, civic participation, and the expansion of voting rights over nearly 250 years. Through artifacts, photographs, archival media, and interactive displays, it examines how the United States has worked to build a government “of, by, and for the people,” while also highlighting the conflicts, milestones, and movements that have shaped civic life. As part of Museum on Main Street, a national program of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, this exhibition brings public history programming to rural communities through partnerships with state humanities councils and local institutions.

The Georgia tour is supported by Georgia Humanities, Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia System Operations, and the United States Congress. The opening celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. on July 23 at the Booth Western Art Museum with Voices In American History: Words and Music From Our Nation’s Past, narrated by Dr. Shannon Bontrager. The program highlights major eras in U.S. history – including the Revolution, Cherokee Removal, the Civil War and Emancipation, Women’s Suffrage, and the Civil Rights Movement – through readings and musical performances by community leaders, historians, and local artists. Following the program, guests will continue to the Bartow History Museum for the exhibition opening and refreshments.

For more information about Museum on Main Street, visit the Museum on Main Street website. To learn more about the Georgia US250 Commission, visit the Georgia US250 Commission website.