On Saturday, October 26, 2024 the Al Harris Library will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for a Smithsonian exhibit visiting the University. Opening in June of 2020, and set to run until 2026, this exhibit has visited states including, but not limited to AZ, FL, KS, KY, SC, NJ and NC. This is a great opportunity for the University and you don’t want to miss it!
Fredric Murray, Assistant Professor/Instructional Services Librarian at SWOSU gave some information on what the exhibit has to offer. “Voices and Votes features a rich array of dynamic elements, including historical and contemporary photographs, educational videos, and engaging multimedia interactives. Visitors can experience short games and view historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials.
A highlight of the exhibition is the educational component “American Experiments,” which includes a traveling trunk filled with activities designed for both exhibition visitors and classroom students. Interactive challenges invite participants to express their views on significant American figures and food, while a voting game encourages reflection on democracy and citizenship.”
Fredric Murray also stated, “After a summer of outreach to the county school districts, we are now scheduling local middle school and high schools for on campus visit to Voices & Votes.”
“We also spent the summer visiting with people in some of the smaller cities and towns to record their experiences with Democracy for an Oral History project which we will incorporate into the exhibition to give it a little Western Oklahoma flavor. The exhibition is adapted from the major display American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and was developed under the guidance of Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus.
We are also planning a Panel Discussion on October 28th @ 7pm in Stafford 104 with local community leaders for a conversation on how Democracy operates in rural Western Oklahoma.”
With the exhibit opening on Homecoming, The Library plans on sponsoring its own parade float along with the ribbon cutting following at noon including music and refreshments.
SWOSU is currently the only university in the state to receive the display. The exhibit will be displayed at the library until December 7th, 2024. The exhibit is free, and you can view the display at any time during Library Hours.
