Southern Arkansas University continues to host the prestigious Smithsonian traveling exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America at SAU Beyond the Campus, on the west side of the town square in Magnolia, Arkansas.  This collaborative endeavor between Southern Arkansas University and the Smithsonian Institution promises an engaging exploration of America’s democratic evolution, spotlighting pivotal moments that have shaped the nation’s electoral landscape.

The exhibit displays a remarkable collection of artifacts, interactive displays, and engaging multimedia experiences.  Voices and Votes offers a profound exploration of the American voting experience, highlighting pivotal moments, diverse voices, and the evolution of the nation’s democratic process.

As part of this exhibit, Dr. Ben Johnson, professor emeritus, will share a historical presentation on voting rights in the state of Arkansas on Tuesday, January 23, at 6:00 p.m.  Johnson is a well-known Arkansas historian who has been instrumental in the development of documenting Arkansas’ history.  He has spent over 40 years in higher education. In 2013, he was selected to receive the state’s first endowed professorship for Arkansas studies.  He has authored several books on Arkansas History.  Johnson also served as the vice-chair of the State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and vice president of the Arkansas Historical Association.

The Voices and Votes exhibit will be open to the public until January 28, 2024.  Schools, community groups, and individuals are encouraged to visit the exhibit in this remaining week.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of the 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 the Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.  For additional information, please visit https://web.saumag.edu/voices/.