CHICAGO, JULY 8, 2021— Illinois Humanities is excited to announce the itinerary for two new traveling exhibitions: Voices and Votes: Democracy in America – which highlights America’s history of civic action and results of that action – and the Illinois Freedom Project – an exhibition highlighting the pursuit of civil rights by and for African Americans in Illinois. Museum on Main Street is a program of the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils that shares world-class exhibitions with small communities.
Voices and Votes, organized by the Smithsonian Museum to travel to towns with populations of under 25,000, includes historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
These concurrent and complementary exhibitions sponsored by Illinois Humanities will visit six Illinois communities with fewer than 25,000 residents between July 2021 and March 2022.
“These exhibitions raise critical questions about how citizen participation – from revolution, to suffrage, to protests and organizing – has shaped democracy in America. The six host institutions are cultural anchors in their communities and are ideally situated to host conversations about what it takes — and has taken in Illinois — to form ‘a more perfect union,’” said Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director at Illinois Humanities.
The exhibit tour kicks off July 19 with Voices and Votes: Democracy in America at the Madison County Historical Society, Edwardsville, and Illinois Freedom Project at the nearby Wood River Museum, Wood River. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It 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.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE*
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America:
- July 19 – August 21, 2021: Madison County Historical Society, Edwardsville
- August 28 – October 2, 2021: Bryan-Bennett Library, Salem
- October 9 – November 13, 2021: Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, Savanna
- November 20 – December 23, 2021: Jacksonville Area Museum, Jacksonville
- January 1 – February 5, 2022: Vespasian Warner Public Library District, Clinton
- February 12 – March 16, 2022: General John A. Logan Museum, Murphysboro
Illinois Freedom Project:
- July 17 – August 21, 2021: Wood River Museum, Wood River
- August 28 – October 2, 2021: Bryan-Bennett Library, Salem
- October 9 – November 13, 2021: York Township Public Library, Thomson
- November 20 – December 18, 2021: Old School Museum, Winchester
- January 1 – February 5, 2022: Vespasian Warner Public Library District, Clinton
- February 12 – March 16, 2022: African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Carbondale
- *Please consult host organizations’ websites to confirm schedules.
*Please consult host organizations’ websites to confirm schedules: Illinois Humanities and Illinois Freedom Project.
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About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration. Founded in 1974, Illinois Humanities is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
Learn more at ilhumanities.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.