December 14, 2024 - January 25, 2025
Bethany Library • 6700 NW 35th Street, Bethany, OK 73008
About Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans:
- Who has the right to vote?
- What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?
- Whose voices will be heard?
- How do you participate as a citizen?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. It is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Voices and Votes has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision as we continue to question how to form “a more perfect union.” 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.
Voices and Votes has been made possible at the Bethany Library by Okahoma Humanities.
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.
Voices and Votes for Teachers
Teachers, if you're looking for a unique winter field trip then look no further than the Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibit at the Bethany Library!
Each visit is approximately two (2) hours long and the library can support up to 50 students at a time. The Bethany Library staff has crafted fun and informative group activities to accompany the exhibit. For more information and to complete the interest form, please click here or click on the button below.
Voices and Votes Art Contest for Grades 6-8
Artwork can be submitted from October 1 through November 10.
Express yourself through art and answer the question "What does a good citizen look like?"
Accepted media for the 11x17 (tabloid size) entry is:
- Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor
- Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal
- Mixed Media: use of more than two media
- Collages
Each entry must be original in concept, design and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws.
All submissions are due to the Bethany Library by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. Winners will be notified on December 2.
Voices and Votes Essay Contest for Grades 9-12
Essays can be submitted from October 1 through November 22.
In a short essay, answer the question "What does the Constitution mean to me?"
Essays must be no more than 500 words and any plagiarism or use of AI aids (such as ChatGPT) will result in disqualification.
All submissions should be submitted to the Bethany Library through the form below by Friday, November 22. Winners will be notified on December 2.