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Voices and Votes:
Democracy in America

A New Agora for New York

Smithsonian logo in white

Coming to New York State 2024–2026

"A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy"

"A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy" will explore the context and main controversies behind our democratic system including the principles and events that inspired the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the struggle for civil rights, voting rights, and equal participation in our democracy; the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens; and the formal and informal processes of our political systems.

Tour Schedule

  • Mar 24 – May 3, 2024

    Preservation Long Island

    Cold Spring Harbor, NY

  • May 17 – Jun 28, 2024

    Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site

    Sackets Harbor, NY

  • Jul 12 – Aug 23, 2024

    National Women's Hall of Fame

    Seneca Falls, NY

  • Sept 6 – Oct 18, 2024

    Robert H. Jackson Center

    Jamestown, NY

  • Nov 1 – Dec 13, 2024

    Munson

    Utica, NY

  • Dec 27, 2024 – Feb 7, 2025

    Alice Austen House Museum

    Staten Island, NY

  • Feb 20 – Apr 6, 2025

    The Long Island Museum

    Stony Brook, NY

  • Apr 18 – May 30, 2025

    Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center / Onondaga Historical Association

    Liverpool, NY

  • Jun 3 – Jul 25, 2025

    Genesee Country Village & Museum

    Mumford, NY

  • Aug 8 – Sept 19, 2025

    Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor

    Buffalo, NY

  • Oct 3 – Nov 14, 2025

    Chemung County Historical Society

    Elmira, NY

  • Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026

    Underground Railroad Education Center

    Albany, NY

Project Participants and Host Sites

The Museum Association of New York is the statewide organizer for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service's Museum on Main Street program bringing "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" to twelve museums across New York State.

Based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, this traveling exhibition includes many of the same dynamic features: historical and contemporary photographs; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives, and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

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