Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, beginning Oct. 26 at the Al Harris Library. This free exhibit opens during SWOSU’s Homecoming, ensuring that many alumni, students, and community members will have the opportunity to visit. Notably, SWOSU is the only university in Oklahoma selected to host this display, demonstrating the university’s commitment to promoting discussions on democracy and civic engagement. The exhibit will be available for viewing from Oct 26 to Dec. 7.
Event Schedule:
October 26, 2024
10 a.m.: SWOSU Homecoming Parade
12 p.m.: Exhibit Opening/Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Al Harris Library
12–5 p.m.: Stafford Archive open for tours
October 28, 2024
7–8 p.m.: Panel Discussion at Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, room 104
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon, and the public is invited to attend. The exhibit features historical and contemporary photographs, educational videos, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore games and view historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials. An educational component, “American Experiments,” includes a traveling trunk with activities designed for exhibition visitors and classroom students. Interactive challenges invite participants to express their views on significant American figures and issues, while a voting game encourages reflection on democracy and citizenship.
Throughout the summer, SWOSU engaged with county school districts to schedule visits for local middle and high schools to experience the Voices and Votes exhibit. For more information and to schedule a visit, please visit the following website: https://library.swosu.edu/forms/visitvv.html. Additionally, SWOSU has collected stories from residents in smaller cities and towns about their experiences with democracy for an Oral History project, which will be featured in the exhibit to provide a local perspective.
On Oct. 28, SWOSU will host a panel discussion titled Democracy in Action: Voices and Votes Through History. This discussion will take place at 7 p.m. in room 104 of the Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, and it is open to the community. It will feature SWOSU President Diana Lovell, Mayor Mike Brown, Publisher Philip Reid, Connections Food & Resource Center Executive Director Elizabeth Amen, and Moderator Jeff Berrong. The panel will explore the nature of American democracy, particularly in rural Western Oklahoma. Click here to view the livestream of the panel: https://www.youtube.com/live/fWk9kh3kpOE.
The exhibit is adapted from the Smithsonian's display, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, developed under the guidance of Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus. SWOSU invites the community to engage with this educational exhibit, which offers insights into the history and significance of democracy in America.
To learn more about this Smithsonian exhibit and the scheduled activities, visit this page: https://libguides.swosu.edu/voices_and_votes.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of over 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.