Smithsonian to bring traveling exhibit to rural Hoosiers
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To celebrate the semiquincentennial—or the 250th anniversary— of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, six small communities in Indiana will get to see the history of American democracy up close thanks to a partnership between the Smithsonian’s Museum Main Street and Indiana Humanities.
Throughout 2026, the Smithsonian is bringing its traveling exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” to Indiana and the group is accepting applications through the end of January as to where it will set up shop.
Towns with fewer than 10,000 people are encouraged to apply and have a chance at hosting the exhibit for six weeks. Communities that are selected will also receive training from the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities to help create a unique section in the exhibit featuring their own town.
“For Hoosiers who may never have the occasion to visit a Smithsonian museum in person, this is an extraordinary opportunity to have a wonderful exhibit come to them,” Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities, said in a press release. “Not only that, but for the host sites, it’s a chance to welcome their community in an entirely new way, receive project funding, and access exhibit and program development support.”
The Voters and Voices exhibit features a series of photos, memorabilia and archival footage all centered around the topic of voting, campaigning and participation in democracy. According to the release, the traveling exhibit is based on a larger exhibit at the Smithsonian called “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.”