When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans:
-
Who has the right to vote?
-
What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?
-
Whose voices will be heard?
-
How do you participate as a citizen?
-
How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision as we continue to question how to form “a more perfect union.” How do you participate as a citizen? From the revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story – the story of democracy in America.
Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Content development was led by Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus in the Division of Political History at the National Museum of American History. Voices and Votes has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
Museum on Main Street is a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the Idaho Humanities Council, working to bring Smithsonian traveling exhibitions to small Idaho communities each year. This local exhibition is coordinated jointly by the University of Idaho Library and the Latah County Historical Society.
University of Idaho Library
850 S Rayburn St, Moscow
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 12pm - 6pm
Sunday: 12pm - 8pm
For a more interactive experience, docents are available every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm.
Many of the parking lots are free to use weekdays after 5pm and on weekends, or pay-to-park street options are available. To purchase university parking passes and to find more information, including lot maps and schedules, see the University of Idaho's Visitor Parking webpage.
Visit the Smart Transit website for route and schedule information on Moscow's free public transit system.
Interested in being an exhibit docent?
We'd love to have you volunteer with us! Please fill out this linked registration form and we'll be in touch with more information and training materials. Itching to get started? Check out the exhibit docent handbook.
Resources for Teachers
Is your class interested in visiting the Voices & Votes Exhibit?
Please fill out the form below to schedule your visit!
Campus bus directions can be found here.
For groups larger than 25 we recommend splitting your classes into two sections. Consider visiting another part of campus or one of the other field trip options linked below, then swapping sections. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour viewing the exhibit. The exhibit is appropriate for 4th - 12th graders. For homeschool groups with more than 15 students we ask for a reservation using the above form.