We the People: On “Democracy in America”
Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities has worked to bring the Smithsonian Institute’s touring world-class exhibitions to communities in Illinois for several years, but it is the current tour – Voices and Votes: Democracy in America – that has presented the most urgency.
The Bill of Rights established the foundations of democracy in the United States through its mission; “to form a more perfect Union.” It is the hope of Illinois Humanities that this understanding of our history and the foundations of our democracy will help guide us as we reimagine our future. “These exhibitions raise critical questions about how citizen participation - from revolution, to suffrage, to protests and organizing - has shaped democracy in America,” said Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director at Illinois Humanities.
While the history of Democracy in America spans centuries, the aim of the programming around the Voices and Votes tour is to demonstrate how close our proximity is to many of these battles for civil rights – in years and geography. To spotlight the pursuit of civil rights by and for African Americans nationally and in the state of Illinois, Illinois Humanities has programmed a tour of the Illinois Freedom Project to occur concurrently with Voices and Votes’ six stops. Together, these tours utilize historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; interactive elements; and historical objects and materials to bring small towns together for big conversations. “The six host institutions are cultural anchors in their communities,” says Lyon. “They are ideally situated to host conversations about what it takes — and has taken in Illinois — to form ‘a more perfect union.’”
EXHIBITIONS SCHEDULES:*
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
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 3-February 5, 2022: Vespasian Warner Public Library District, Clinton
February 12-March 16, 2022: General John A. Logan Museum, Murphysboro
Illinois Freedom Project
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 3-February 5, 2022: Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton
February 12-March 16, 2022: African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Carbondale
*Please consult host organizations’ websites to confirm schedules.
Learn more and view the exhibition travel maps at www.ilhumanities.org/travelingexhibits.