Museum on Main Street
Through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, Georgia Humanities hosts Museum on Main Street, a program that provides small and rural communities across the state with access to Smithsonian traveling exhibitions.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America tours Georgia April 2026 to January 2027
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced the 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 can you participate as a citizen?
- How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America provides a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in our local stories. Democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision. From 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. Dr. Tammy Greer, assistant professor at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, will serve as the state scholar.
Apply to Host Voices and Votes
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
- Cities or counties in rural communities in Georgia
- Preference will be given to communities that have not previously hosted a Museum on Main Street exhibition
WHAT WILL HOST COMMUNITIES RECEIVE?
- Smithsonian exhibit
- Humanities program models
- Resources and training: workshops, access to speakers, community-development forum
- $2,500 grant to support local programs and activities
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF HOST COMMUNITIES?
- Volunteer or paid staff to serve as Project Director
- Host committee including diverse representatives from the community
- Venue for the exhibition (1000 sq. ft and 8-ft ceilings)
- Implementation of at least two local humanities program models
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Notification: March 2025
If your organization has never applied for funding from Georgia Humanities, you’ll need to register on our third-party application software, Foundant. You can preview the application here.
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information about Voices and Votes, please contact Jerald Crook. You may also schedule a 30-minute meeting with Jerald using this link.
Voices and Votes Sponsors
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is presented by Georgia Humanities through the Museum on Main Street program, a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. To learn more, visit museumonmainstreet.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring Voices and Votes? Contact us to learn more.
