Mount Vernon Selected as Voices & Votes Host

Georgia Humanities announced Mount Vernon as one of six Georgia communities to host the “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” traveling exhibition in fall 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, according to a press release on Monday, June 30.

“The 250th anniversary is not only a chance to look back, but also an opportunity to consider how we each contribute to the ongoing story of democracy,” says Georgia Humanities President Mary Wearn in the release. “We’re excited to partner with these six host sites to bring Voices and Votes and these important conversations to communities across Georgia.”

The “Voices and Votes” exhibition is based on a National Museum of History exhibit titled “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” regarding American participation in the democratic process. Topics will include suffrage, civil rights, democratic participation and historical revolution, presented via historical and educational photos and video, multimedia games and activities, and historical objects.

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Curator Emeritus Harry Rubenstein of the National Museum of American History’s Division of Political History led the content development of the exhibition.

Georgia Humanities will also collaborate with local organizers to produce unique content for each host area. In addition, host communities will also receive seed funding for public programming and educational activities.

The event is part of the Museum on Main Street program, a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution Exhibition Service, state humanities councils and local organizations which aims to bring historical exhibitions to small communities. The exhibition also serves as a part of Georgia Humanities’ America250 programming.

Founded in 1971, Georgia Humanities provides statewide support for humanities as an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The organization partners with schools, libraries, museums and other institutions to provide funding and programming to Georgia communities.

The exhibition will last six weeks in each location, and will be held in Mount Vernon from Sunday, September 13, 2026, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. “Voices and Votes” will also be held in Eatonton, Hartwell, Cartersville, Brunswick and Dawson.