The Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Voices and Votes will travel to Cheyenne to reflect the agricultural stronghold’s contribution to the nation
Exhibit opened September 7-October 19
Over the summer, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Director Lauren Schmidt, Susie Thurmond, and librarians with the Western Plains Library System asked residents of tiny Roger Mills County to be interviewed to show their perspectives and experiences in the great American democracy.
For Thurmond, having these voices heard was important.
After all, Roger Mills County may be small in population, but the area’s contribution to the nation in terms of agriculture and energy is nearly invaluable.
“We see what we bring to the table, so we felt it was important for that to be recorded and documented as well,” Thurmond stated.
She had also found the perfect way to bring that to life in the farming and ranching community of Cheyenne.
The Smithsonian created a traveling Voices and Votes Museum on Main. The intent is simple, but finely detailed.
The Smithsonian says on its website: “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, and whose voices will be heard? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories.
Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This Museum on Main Street adaptation will have many of the same 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.” How do you participate as a citizen? 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.”
Thurmond says the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce was eager to partner with the library on this venture.
In fact, she gives all the credit to Director Schmidt for making contact with the Smithsonian and going through proper training. Thurmond helped with grants and filing out applications.
Before they knew it, Cheyenne had been selected to house this once-in-a-lifetime traveling Smithsonian exhibit.
It will be in the Cheyenne Chamber of Com- merce from September 7 until October 19.
Operating hours will be 10 am to 5 pm on Monday through Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Admission is free.
Thurmond is quick to note that this exhibit is apolitical and non-partisan.
“This is not a Republican versus Democrat thing,” Thurmond stressed. “This is about the founding of our democracy, how it spread throughout the new nation and has continued to evolve. It is about you and me and all our children and how we, too, put our imprints on our democratic system.”
There will be an essay and poster contest for students aged 4 to 18.
In June, the Minnie R. Slief Library in Cheyenne conducted interviews of local volunteers about their experiences in democracy.
Throughout the month, Thurmond is scheduling speakers on a variety of subjects. Randy Beutler is the first scheduled speaker.
When asked the tie to agriculture with this exhibit, Thurmond was clear that so much of our nation was impacted by the industry because the majority of American families still lived on farms during our founding until World War 2.
“The two can’t be separated,” she said.
For more information, visit the Facebook pages of the Minnie R. Slief Library or the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.
