Maryville Chosen as Site for Smithsonian Exhibition

The Rose Theatre will host an exhibit entitled, “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” from April 23rd, 2025 to June 4th, 2025. Maryville is one of only xis Missouri locations chosen by the Missouri Arts Council for the Smithsonian’s “Voices and Votes” Museum on Main Street program. Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, “Voices and Votes” will serve as a community meeting place for conversation about democracy. The traveling exhibit is based on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s exhibition called, “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.” It is brought to Maryville through the courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute and the Missouri humanities Council.

“Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” examines the American experiment of government “of, by and for the people” in rural areas, and how each generation seeks to form a “more perfect union.” From the revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, every citizen in every community is part of this ever evolving story.

The exhibit explores the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, how democracy works, the right to petition and protest, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. “Voices and Votes” features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; multimedia interactive games; and campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

Four Maryville organizations are partnering to bring this exhibit to Maryville: Nodaway Community Theater Company, Make It Maryville, Nodaway County Historical Society, and Maryville Public Library. Additional exhibits involving voting rights and responsibilities will be on display at the historical society’s museum and at the library while the Smithsonian exhibit is at The Rose

The Rose Theater is located at 120 West Third Street in Maryville. Hours for the exhibit are currently set for Fridays from 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M., on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., on Sundays from 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., and by special arrangement for groups of ten or more. For further information or group reservations, contact rosetheatre.maryville@gmail.com

 

Smithsonian Exhibit Coming to Rose Theatre

"Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," is a Smithsonian exhibit, sponsored by Missouri Humanities. The exhibit shares the history of voting in the United States and stresses responsibilities of citizens to make their voices heard through the voting process.

The exhibit will be in place for six weeks at The Rose Theatre in Maryville, Missouri, from April 23-June 4, 2025. The display shares a pictorial history of the struggles and triumphs as Americans forge "a more perfect union."

The exhibit is appropriate for ages kindergarten through adult, with special attractions for younger visitors (including coloring books featuring Nodaway County citizens and events, as well as a commemorative picture taken with cut-outs of famous abolitionists).

The Nodaway County Historical Society is a partner for "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" and will present a separate program and exhibit about voting rights in Nodaway County in May. A new exhibit about women's suffrage and a display of Alma Nash artifacts will be featured. The program is slated for May 10 at 11:00 A.M. at the historical society's museum location (110 North Walnut Street in Maryville).

Hours of operation for "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" are set for Friday, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., Saturdays from 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., and on Sundays from 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. Special arrangements for other days can be made for schools or groups of ten or more by contacting Nina Dewhirst at 660 582-8916.

Official partners for this event include Nodaway Community Theater Company, Make It Maryville, Nodaway County Historical Society, and Maryville Public Library.