The Center for Rural Development to host Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition June 19-July 24

The Center for Rural Development has been chosen as one of six Kentucky sites to host “Voices & Votes: Democracy in America,” a traveling art exhibit presented by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street in cooperation with the Kentucky Humanities.
The exhibit will be on display at The Center, located at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset, from June 19-July 24. There is no charge to view the exhibit. An opening reception is planned for Saturday, June 19, at 2 p.m. to welcome the arrival of the exhibit to this region of Kentucky and give the general public its first look at this amazing display.
Voices & Votes examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of government “of, by, and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.”
“The Center for Rural Development is excited to host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” said Laura Glover, Managing Director of Marketing and Events. “This traveling art exhibit allows us to reflect on our history and explore what it means to be an active participant in the governance of not only the country but also this community,”
The exhibit explores the action, reaction, vision and revision that democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape the country. 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.
Exhibition sections highlight the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Voices & Votes features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials.
The exhibit may be viewed 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during extended evening and weekend hours when the building is open to the general public. To ensure you have access to the exhibit during the weekends, please schedule appointments in advance. For more information or to schedule an appointment to visit the exhibit on Saturday or Sunday, call 606-677-6000.
The exhibit is sponsored locally by The Center for Rural Development in conjunction with the Smithsonian, Kentucky Humanities, and the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA).