The Georgia Writers Museum (GWM), in partnership with the Old School History Museum and The Artisans Village, will host a nationally touring Smithsonian Institution exhibit next spring exploring American democracy.
The exhibit, “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” will arrive April 20 and remain through May 31, making Eatonton the first stop in a statewide celebration tied to America 250, the upcoming semiquincentennial, otherwise known as the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
“This is a big deal for our town, our community, and our museum partners,” said GWM Director Melissa Swindell, who began her museum career at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. “The Smithsonian didn’t take a chance on something. They feel confident bringing it here,” she added in a brief talk last Tuesday before an Eatonton-Putnam Tourism, Arts, and Heritage (EPTAH) committee meeting.
The “Voices and Votes” exhibit is part of the Smithsonian’s “Museums on Main Street” program, which sends curated exhibits to small towns across the country. The Georgia Humanities Council, with support from state funding and the National Endowment for the Humanities, coordinates the statewide tour.
The 800-square-foot exhibit is based on “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith,” a permanent installation at the Smithsonian. It will include interactive displays, replica artifacts, videos, and a traveling trunk of classroom activities. The exhibit explores six themes, including the founding principles of the Constitution, the history of voting rights, political campaigns, the First Amendment, citizenship, and national identity.
“It asks fundamental questions,” Swindell said. “Who has the right to vote? What are the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens? What does it mean to be a people governing themselves rather than being ruled by kings and queens?”
Preparations will begin when the Smithsonian delivers the exhibit by semi-truck. Local volunteers will help unpack and assemble the display with guidance from Smithsonian staff,” Swindell explained.
As part of the program, host communities are required to hold at least three public events, including an opening reception. Swindell said GWM’s April reception will be a high-profile event that she expects to draw state and federal officials, as well as community leaders and residents.
“The kickoff will be heavily publicized by Georgia Humanities,” GWM Board President Lou Benjamin said. “The more we show up as a community to welcome this exhibit, the stronger the impression we will make.”
Benjamin emphasized that while museums often seek financial support for such programs, this exhibit incurs minimal direct expense for local partners. Instead, he encouraged community groups to create complementary programs to tie into the exhibit’s themes, from lectures to performances.
“This is really an opportunity for Eatonton to be on the map,” he said. “The Smithsonian name carries weight, but the community has the chance to shine by making the most of these six weeks.”
The opening date for the reception will be announced closer to April, but Swindell confirmed the exhibit will arrive on April 20.
For more information or to get involved, community members are encouraged to contact the Georgia Writers Museum (georgiawritersmuseum.org).