Opening ceremonies were held Saturday at the Bryan Bennett Library for the Smithsonian Institute display of Voices and Votes Democracy in America and a companion display from the Illinois Freedom Project.
The Program Manager for the Illinois Department of Humanities Matt Meachum noted the display was part of the Department’s Museum on Main Street and Salem was one of six communities selected to host the traveling display.
“It addresses questions stemming from our national founders radical decision to entrust the governance of a nation not to a monarchy but to its citizens. Questions that still affect us today. Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? Voices & Votes is intended to induce such questions.”
Meachum hopes the display will call attention to democracy and the pursuit of a more perfect union.
The Superintendent of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Tim Townsend brought a companion display from the Illinois Freedom Project that traces African American history.
“Our exhibit ties in so well with the Voices & Vote exhibit because that really is what so many African Americans in Illinois came looking for the opportunities that are talked about in this exhibit. And over and over they were talking about the importance of citizenship. They were trying to achieve that and all the rights responsibilities that entailed. And for generations, they were denied that but they worked hard and pushed to achieve those rights.”
Townsend is especially hopeful of reaching young people and getting them more interested in history through the display and companion website. He says their display includes QR codes that will open videos on visitors’ phones.
Salem Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Koehler thanked those in the community that worked so hard to bring the display to Salem.
The program also included some words on the importance of democracy from Mark Decker, portraying William Jennings Bryan. Master of Ceremonies and one of those who led the effort to put together the visit, Wyatt Colclasure, closed the program.
“We want to get as many people here as we can to spread the word for what we think is a very good exhibit. We hope this does some good for Salem and the area. Our work isn’t done. Bring some others, stay awhile, learn from it, and thank you all for coming. Enjoy the exhibit.”
The library will have expanded hours to allow for more time to view the display. The library will be open from noon to seven Monday through Thursday, 10 to 7 on Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 6 on Sunday. There is no admission charge to view the display or attend some of the special events during the five-week visit of the display.
One of the interactive panels of the Voices and Votes display at the Bryan Bennett Library. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The opening panel of the Illinois Freedom Project display now open at the Bryan Bennett Library in Salem. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
