"Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" Exhibit
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, through Monday, December 2, 2024
Wiseman's View Lounge, 2nd Floor, Plemmons Student Union
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BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Department of Government and Justice Studies has been awarded the opportunity to host the Smithsonian exhibit "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America." Made possible through a grant from North Carolina Humanities, the exhibit will be located in the Wiseman's View Lounge on the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union (PSU) from Tuesday, October 22, through Monday, December 2, coinciding with the 2024 Presidential Election.
The idea to apply to have App State host the exhibit originated with Department of Government and Justice Studies political science faculty members Dr. Cary Fraser and Dr. Nancy Love who approached department chair Dr. Cathy Marcum about applying for the grant in Summer 2023. The group learned they had been awarded the opportunity in January.
"The Department of Government and Justice Studies is thrilled to sponsor this opportunity to participate in this immersive experience to the communities of App State, the High Country and the K-12 students of western North Carolina," shared Marcum. "We feel this is complementary to App State’s initiative to engage our students in civic literacy and engagement, as well as engage our community members in conversation on the importance of voting. We hope everyone who visits the PSU, whether it be to vote or to grab a cup of coffee, will take time to enjoy this installation!"
The Smithsonian provides the following description of the "Voices and Votes" exhibit: 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 and whose voices will be heard? "Voices and Votes" serves as a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories.
Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision and revision as we continue to question how to form “a more perfect union.” How do you participate as a citizen? From the 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 a Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition. MoMS exhibitions are available for booking by state humanities councils or other statewide organizations, including universities.
The MoMS adaptation of the exhibit is based on a major exhibition on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The MoMS adaptation features many of the same features, including historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos and information and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia and protest material.
To learn more about the exhibit, check out these conversation starter videos published by the Smithsonian:
Voices and Votes Conversation Starter: The Meaning of Democracy
Voices and Votes Conversation Starter: Protests and Petitioning
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For a disability accommodation, visit odr.appstate.edu. Faculty members from App State's political science program will be available to lead exhibit tours for student groups, including K-12. Those interested in scheduling a tour should contact the Department of Government and Justice Studies via phone at (828) 262-3085 or via email at gjs@appstate.edu.
For more information, visit gjs.appstate.edu/news-events/voices-and-votes-democracy-america.
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About the Department of Government and Justice Studies
Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at gjs.appstate.edu.
Appalachian State University will host the Smithsonian exhibit "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" from Monday, October 22, 2024, through Monday, December 2, 2024. Photo courtesy of the National Archives
Appalachian State University will host the Smithsonian exhibit "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" from Monday, October 22, 2024, through Monday, December 2, 2024. Photo courtesy of the National Archives