The Smithsonian is coming to Upland!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Upland Historical Society to host traveling Smithsonian exhibition

Voices and Votes connects citizens with American democracy 

INDIANAPOLIS (June 17, 2025)—Upland Historical Society is pleased to announce that it is one of seven sites selected to host the traveling Smithsonian exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, in partnership with Indiana Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.  

The exhibition gives an in-depth look at America’s democracy and brings discussions about democracy to local communities. It will tour the seven small towns across Indiana during the semiquincentennial, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

Stephanie Osborne, Communications Director for Our Town Upland, says this about the project: “The Smithsonian Exhibit aims to spark a sense of purpose and possibility in local residents and visitors, inspiring them to take a more active role in shaping our democracy. Through real stories and relatable experiences, it encourages neighbors, families, and friends to reflect on their roles in shaping our communities—and to feel empowered to speak up, get involved, and make a difference where it matters most. We are honored and thrilled to have been chosen as a host town, and look forward to the impact the exhibit will have on our community.”

The Voices and Votes exhibit will be at the Upland Community Building from August 22 - October 4, 2026. 

“This is a unique opportunity not just for the host sites, but for the communities they serve,” said Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities. “In bringing the resources of the Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. to rural communities, we hope that Hoosiers have a chance to reflect on the history of the nation we share, celebrate the ideals that form the bedrock of the United States, and envision what the next 250 years promise American citizens in the future.” 

What: Voices and Votes — a Museum on Main Street exhibit 

Where: Upland Community Building, 403 W Washington Street, Upland, IN 46989 

When: August 22 - October 4, 2026

The full list of communities that will host the exhibit for six weeks each in 2026 and 2027 include: 

• · March 28-May 10, 2026: City of Angola (Angola) 

• · May 16-June 28, 2026: Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau (French Lick) 

• · July 4-Aug. 16, 2026: Rush County Arts and Cultural Council (Rushville) 

• · Aug. 22-Oct. 4, 2026: Upland Historical Society (Upland) 

• · Oct. 10-Nov. 22, 2026: Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (Greencastle) 

• · Nov. 28, 2026-Jan. 10, 2027: Jennings County Historical Society (Vernon) 

• · Jan. 30-March 14, 2027: Whitley County Community Foundation (Columbia City) 

Host sites receive – at no cost to them – extensive training and other resources from the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities. 

To learn more about the program, visit  

https://indianahumanities.org/program/voicesandvotes

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About Voices and Votes

The exhibit has many 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. 

Voices and Votes will prompt visitors to consider questions like “Who has the right to vote?”, “What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?”, “Whose voices will be heard?”, “How do you participate as a citizen?”, and “How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?” It will also serve as a jumping off point for discussing how those questions are reflected in local stories. 

It is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Content development was led by Harry Rubenstein, curator emeritus in the division of political history at the National Museum of American History.  

About Indiana Humanities   

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through programs, grants, and storytelling. Learn more at www.IndianaHumanities.org.