The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America’ is coming to Aiken.

“Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This Museum on Main Street adaptation will have many of the same 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.
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: Democracy in America will be on display at the Aiken County Historical Museum from July 23 through September 3, 2022, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.​

Aiken is one of six communities in South Carolina selected to host the exhibit. Aiken County Historical Museum, along with Friends of the Museum, partnered with Second Baptist Church to apply for this honor through South Carolina Humanities, which is coordinating the statewide tour.