The Exhibitions
The Vespasian Warner Public Library District in Clinton has been looking forward to this month (January of 2022) for almost two years. The library was selected by Illinois Humanities to be one of six host sites for Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a travelling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibition is on display now through February 5, 2022 and admission is free and open to the public.
Voices and Votes explores questions stemming from the leap of faith taken by the American revolutionaries who established a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy but in its citizens. Who has the right to vote? What are our civic responsibilities and freedoms? Whose voices will be heard? The exhibit features six museum-quality sections complete with artifacts and interactive components such as touch-screens, flip books, and audio clips. There is truly something for all ages to experience and enjoy.
In addition, the library produced a locally-focused companion exhibition linking the subject matter of the Smithsonian-produced exhibition to the history and culture of the community. A variety of events including an opening reception, “I Voted” button making, and a mock trial also engage audiences with topics and themes of the exhibition.
Along with Voices and Votes and its locally focused companion exhibition, Vespasian Warner Public Library is hosting the Illinois Freedom Project exhibition. An outgrowth of an educational program that engages young people with African American history in Illinois, the Illinois Freedom Project exhibition traces Black Illinoisans’ struggles for freedom from the French Colonial era to early-20th-century Chicago. It is touring the state in conjunction with Voices and Votes.
New Experiences and Opportunities
The planning and execution of such a large project was no small task, but the opportunities it has created for future engagement and partnerships far outweigh the work.
Local history is very popular in small and rural libraries and Voices and Votes has brought community engagement to a new level. The special exhibits have attracted audiences to the library that may not have otherwise walked through the doors. Library staff use this as an opportunity to connect with new patrons and demonstrate the value of the library through its wide variety of services. The library has also been able to develop deeper connections with community partners during this experience. Volunteers are needed to serve as docents for the exhibitions and come from local groups such as DAR, the DeWitt County Genealogical Society, Friends of the Library, and more.
Perhaps the greatest benefit to hosting the exhibitions is the opportunity to work closely with Illinois Humanities. Museum on Main Street exhibitions like Voices and Votes are only offered every few years, but Illinois Humanities offers support to libraries and humanities-based organizations through free public programs, grants, and training. The Vespasian Warner Public Library District has utilized the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau program, facilitation training, and COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Recovery Grant program in the past and looks forward to additional partnership opportunities in the future. Visit https://www.ilhumanities.org/ to learn how your local library can get started.
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. https://www.ilhumanities.org/
The Illinois Freedom Project was developed in partnership with the State Historic Sites at Springfield (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area as well as with community youth organizations. https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/education/freedom/
All exhibits are free and open to the public during library hours through February 5. For more information about the events above or any library services, visit www.vwarner.org or call 217.935.5174.
