Life

Smithsonian's 'Voices and Votes' exhibit opens at library

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 4, 2024

The Henderson County Public Library has been selected to display the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America Dec. 9-Jan. 25.

The exhibit can be viewed 9 a.m. -7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the library at 301 N. Washington St.
A part of the Museum on Main Street program, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the North Carolina Humanities and local host institutions. Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.

The interactive exhibit featuring historical and contemporary photos and video, engaging multimedia and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia and protest material explores how everyone in a community is part of the story of democracy in America. In conjunction with the exhibit, the library will also display a selection of photos and newspaper pages related to local election activities throughout Henderson County history as well as host a variety of exhibition-related programming and free events to include lectures, films, music and more.

“Voices and Votes provides an opportunity to reflect on Henderson County’s history while also exploring what it means to be an active participant in the governance of not only the country but also this community,” Library Director Trina Rushing said.

For more information contact the library at 828-697-4725 or visit www.hendersoncountync.gov/library.