Smithsonian’s “Voices and Votes” Exhibit Comes to Memphis
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Memphis, MO — The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Missouri Humanities, is bringing the national traveling exhibition “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” to Memphis. The exhibition will be on display at the Memphis Masonic Hall from September 14 through October 26, 2025.
“Voices and Votes” examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by, and for the people” and how each generation has worked to shape “a more perfect union.” Through photographs, video, interactive games, and historical objects such as campaign and voter memorabilia, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the ever-evolving story of democracy.
Memphis and the surrounding community were chosen by the Missouri Humanities Council to house ‘Voices and Votes” as part of the Museum on Main Street program – a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The exhibition will tour six communities in Missouri from April 2025 through January 2026.
Alongside the national narrative, the Memphis installation will highlight local history, showing how the people of Northeast Missouri have lived out the principles of democracy through everyday civic life. From the courthouse to community gatherings, and from civic service to volunteer efforts, Memphis’s story demonstrates that democracy thrives when citizens take action.
“Democracy requires active participation, and volunteerism fosters the sense of connection and shared purpose that makes communities like Memphis strong,” said Batina Dodge, Site Manager. “Hosting this exhibit gives us the opportunity to celebrate not only the national story of democracy but also the many ways our friends and neighbors continue to keep democracy alive right here at home.”
“Voices and Votes” is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American history called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.
“Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils that brings high-quality cultural experiences to small towns across America.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. In addition, local programs and events will run alongside the exhibit, offering opportunities for learning, conversation, and community engagement. To keep the public informed about local programming, the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission has created an Events Page on Facebook: Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission – Events.
“Voices and Votes” is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American history called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils that brings high-quality cultural experiences to small towns across America.
Museum on Main Street is a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about Voices and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit https:// museumonmainstreet. org/.
Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress.
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play.
Related Posts
Holland, Buford Medal at State for Scotland County
