Smithsonian’s ‘Voices and Votes’ Exhibition Opens at Coastal Georgia

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, is now open at the College of Coastal Georgia. The exhibition is housed at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center through Dec. 13.

To celebrate the exhibition and its timely opening ahead of Election Day, the college hosted an opening ceremony at the conference center on Nov. 1.

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 the American Revolution and the women’s suffrage movement to the civil rights movement and civic participation today. The exhibition draws connections between past and present and encourages visitors to consider what democracy means in their own communities. The Georgia tour is presented by Georgia Humanities as part of its America250 programming.

College of Coastal Georgia President Dr. Johnny Evans Jr. said the exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to reflect honestly on the nation’s democratic journey, what’s been accomplished, the challenges faced, and the work that’s still ahead. We all have a part in that work, he said.

“Voting matters. So does being informed, serving our neighbors and listening to people we may not agree with. None of us are expected to have every answer; we tell our students that. But each of us has something to contribute,” Evans said. “My hope is that you leave with more than something you’ve learned. I hope you leave with a clearer sense that your voice matters, and that what you do with it matters, too.”

Dr. Kyle Fox, chair of the Department of Arts and Humanities, said the exhibition invites visitors to consider how people have participated in civic life, advocated for change, expanded opportunities for others, and contributed to the ongoing work of democracy.

“As our nation concludes its 250th anniversary commemoration, this exhibition provides a timely opportunity to reflect on both our shared history and our responsibility as citizens today,” Fox said. “We hope this exhibition will inspire meaningful conversations, encourage civic participation and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices that have shaped our democracy and the coast.”

The audience then enjoyed a musical performance by the youth choir of Saltwater Performing Arts in St. Marys.

Jen Welborn, interim president of Georgia Humanities, spoke about the organization’s mission to encourage understanding and inspire hope through people sharing their stories, something she said the exhibition accomplishes well. Welborn emphasized that the stories of local communities are an important part of America’s story.

The opening ceremony also featured a discussion with Larry Thompson, former deputy attorney general of the United States and the current Brown Family Executive-in-Residence in the School of Business and Public Management. The conversation was moderated by J. Alexander Atwood, former chief magistrate judge of Glynn County and current assistant professor at the College of Coastal Georgia.

The two discussed the strengths of American democracy, the importance of an independent and trusted judicial system, and the challenge of balancing public safety with the protection of civil liberties.

“Democracy must be strong enough and wise enough to limit its own power,” Thompson said.

Thompson also discussed the importance of trusting the election process, the need for leaders to possess strong values and sound judgment, and the role of accountability in effective leadership.

Following the discussion, Thompson answered questions from audience members on topics ranging from the Voting Rights Act and the role of the humanities in democracy to personal experiences he has had while voting.

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

Voices and Votes is free and open to the public and may be viewed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday viewings are available by appointment.

Community programs connected to the exhibition include a documentary screening, a Glynn Visual Arts exhibition, a presentation by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, and other events. A complete schedule is available at www.ccga.edu/voices-and-votes-exhibition-coming-to-coastal-georgia.