This is a presidential election year. While that means that Americans are subjected to a torrent of political ads, it also means we can reflect on our democracy. This reflection is important because there are many country’s whose citizens cannot chose their leaders.
Democracy raises a host of questions such as:
These questions require serious thought. Major exhibits on democracy are usually on display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. For a limited time, they will also be available at the Cumberland County Public Library!
From July 18 to Sept. 2, the Cumberland County Public Library is hosting Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, an exhibit from the Smithsonian, in connection with the N.C. Humanities Council. This exhibit has dynamic features including educational and archival videos and engaging multimedia interactives, which help us reflect on our more perfect union. The exhibition can be viewed for free, and the library will have programs and exhibits that pair with the exhibit while it is on display.
The Library's Local & State Department is inviting community members to share their short stories about the significance of democracy as part of the Voices & Votes exhibit. This initiative will conclude with a presentation and celebration of the stories about democracy's role in Cumberland County at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. We want to know: What does democracy mean to you? How do you engage in the American Experiment? How can our democracy best serve our local community? If you would like to participate, please sign up here. For any questions, contact the Local & State Department at 910-483-7727 Ext. 1365 or email lsh@cumberlandcountync.gov.
Voices and Votes has been made possible in Cumberland County by the North Carolina Humanities Council. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
