Smithsonian Exhibition, "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," Coming to Belleville

Republic County Historical Society and Museum in Belleville will host "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition.

"Voices and Votes" will be in Belleville from November 27, 2023 to January 7, 2024.  The "Voices and Votes" Kansas tour is sponsored by Humanities Kansas in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street program.

"Voices and Votes" explores the history of American democracy through photographs, hands-on multimedia interactives, and historical objects from the Smithsonian's collection.  Republic County Historical Society and Museum will explore the "Voices and Votes" theme from the local perspective with a companion exhibition and public programs that complement the Smithsonian exhibit.

Republic County Historical Society and Museum will be honoring A. Q. Miller, long-time Belleville Telescope editor, for his efforts in working with the state and national government for the establishment of a highway system in Kansas.  He was greatly involved in the creation of the Pan-American Highway, know as US Highway 81, and what is now US Highway 36, making Belleville the "Crossroads of America."

"Voices and Votes" will tour six Kansas communities in 2023-2024.  Other Smithsonian hosts include Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City; Mid-America All-Indian Museum in Wichita; Nicodemus National Historic Site; Franklin County Historical Society in Ottawa; and the Winfield Public Library.

"Voices and Votes" is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History called "American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith."  Humanities Kansas sponsors the Kansas tour of "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" in partnership with Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street, a one-of-a-kind cultural outreach program that serves communities across America.  To learn more about the "Voices and Votes" statewide tour visit humanitieskansas.org.

For more information about "Voices and Votes" in Belleville, contact the Republic County Historical Society and Museum at (785) 527-5971 or visit republiccountyhistoricalmuseum.org.