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From revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of the ever-evolving story of democracy in America. As part of a thematic initiative exploring civics and democracy, Indiana Humanities is sponsoring a tour of the Smithsonian's Voices and Votes: Democracy in Americaexhibition.
In 2026, six Indiana communities will host the exhibit for six weeks each and receive extensive training, funding, and other resources from the expert staffs of the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities. Each of the hosts will also curate a unique section of the exhibit that explores their community story of civic engagement.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. The Museum on Main Street program works with rural communities to design and host high-quality exhibits and create dynamic public programs across the United States. Voices and Votes is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
About the Exhibition
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?
- Whose voices will be heard?
- How do you participate as a citizen?
- How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a springboard 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.