College to Host Smithsonian Exhibition on American Democracy

The College of Coastal Georgia will host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13 at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center on the Brunswick campus.

Presented through the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition at the National Museum of American History and examines how Americans have engaged with the democratic process, from revolution and suffrage to civil rights and civic participation today. The exhibition draws connections between past and present and encourages visitors to consider what democracy means in their own communities.

“In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, we are honored to host the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” said Dr. Kyle Fox, chair of the Department of Arts and Humanities. “This remarkable exhibition offers an opportunity not only to explore the evolution of American democracy but also to reflect on how democratic ideals have shaped the people, communities, and stories of coastal Georgia. We are especially grateful to partner with a variety of local institutions and organizations that have helped create an outstanding lineup of programs designed to engage, educate, and inspire our community.”

An opening ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. in the Southeast Georgia Conference Center and will feature former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson as the keynote speaker. Community programs related to the exhibition include a documentary screening, a Glynn Visual Arts exhibition, a presentation by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, and much more. To view the full schedule of events visit https://www.ccga.edu/voices-and-votes-exhibition-coming-to-coastal-georgia/.

The Voices and Votes exhibition is free and open to the public and will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday viewings are available by appointment only.

The Georgia tour is proudly presented by Georgia Humanities as part of its America250 programming. Six communities were selected to host the traveling exhibition. Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, works closely with each host site to develop unique exhibit content that connects the national themes of Voices and Votes to local stories of civic life in Georgia.

The exhibition has traveled to Eatonton, Hartwell, Cartersville, and Mount Vernon. Brunswick is the next stop, followed by Dawson, where the tour will conclude.