The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Florida Humanities, presents Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. The exhibition examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Opening at the Leesburg Public Library on November 16, 2024, Voices and Votes will be on view through January 11, 2025.

The Leesburg Public Library and the surrounding community has been chosen by Florida Humanities to host 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.

Voices and Votes explores the action, reaction, vision and revision that democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape the country. 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. Exhibition sections explore 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. Voices and Votes features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

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.

The exhibition is open during Library open hours, closing 1/2 before Library closing times.

This is a self-guided exhibition located on the 2nd floor of the Library.  Guided tours are available upon request.  Please contact Deb Bussinger, Library Program Coordinator at librarian@leesburgflorida.gov or by phone (352) 728-9786, ext. 3531

All ages are welcome.   Age appropriate 9 years old - Adult.

Visit here for more exhibition information.