Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has announced that the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" exhibit from the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) will be showcased at Staten Island's Alice Austen House. The exhibition will be open to the public from December 27, 2024, to February 7, 2025. This event is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaborative effort between SITES, state humanities councils nationwide, and local host institutions.

The "Voices and Votes" exhibit is an adaptation of "American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith," which is currently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It features historical and contemporary photographs, educational videos, multimedia interactives, and historical items such as campaign souvenirs and protest materials.

Congresswoman Malliotakis stated, "With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, this traveling exhibit focused on our country's upbringing is the perfect way for our community to learn more about our Democratic process." She also highlighted her collaboration with the Smithsonian in bringing a Women's History Museum to the National Mall.

Victoria Munro, Executive Director of Alice Austen House, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "The Alice Austen House is looking forward to collaborating on this project." Munro noted that it provides an opportunity to create programs celebrating contributions to American democracy by women like Alice Austen.

The themes explored in the "Voices and Votes" exhibition include foundational principles inspiring America's founding documents; voting rights struggles; citizen responsibilities; political system processes; artistic expressions of democracy; civil rights movements; and engagement by new citizens.