TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas presents the Kansas tour of “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition that examines the history of American democracy and traces the bold American experiment of a government run by and for the people. The exhibition opens March 25, 2023, at the Boot Hill Museum, 500 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd in Dodge City.
“Voices and Votes” considers the many ways Americans have worked to create “a more perfect union” throughout history. Using photographs from the Smithsonian’s collection, engaging multimedia interactives, and historical objects, the exhibition explores the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Audio guides and translations of the exhibit into over 100 languages has been made possible with support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation.
Six community organizations will host the “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” Smithsonian exhibition and each will display a companion exhibition that highlights a local story of civic engagement. The tour schedule for the “Voices and Votes” Smithsonian exhibition tour is:
Dodge City, Boot Hill Museum March 25 – May 7, 2023
Wichita, Mid-America All-Indian Museum May 13 – June 25, 2023
Nicodemus, Nicodemus National Historic Site July 1 – August 13, 2023
Ottawa, Franklin County Historical Society August 19 – October 1, 2023
Winfield, Winfield Public Library October 7 – November 19, 2023
Belleville, Republic County Historical Society November 25, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Humanities Kansas sponsors “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” in partnership with Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street, a one-of-a-kind cultural outreach initiative. “Through a unique collaboration with the Museum on Main Street program, Humanities Kansas is able to bring the resources of the nation’s premier cultural institution to museums, historical societies, cultural venues, and public libraries in Kansas,” said Julie Mulvihill, executive director of Humanities Kansas. “Our ‘Voices and Votes’ community partners are exploring exciting local stories of active citizenship through exhibits and engaging events.”
“Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” has been made possible in Kansas with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, ITC Great Plains, Mariah Fund, Kansas Tourism, and Friends of Humanities Kansas.
For more information on “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” contact Humanities Kansas at 785-357-0359 or visit humanitieskansas.org. Contact local venues directly for hours of operation event details.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas (HK) is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, HK’s pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with partners and supporters, HK inspires all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and to serve the communities and state we all proudly call home.