Hear Them Roar

Throughout American history, people have disagreed on just about every issue of importance (and many that ultimately didn’t matter much). Who should get to vote; how should we elect our representatives; what rights should be allocated to the state and what should be the purview of the federal government? The answers to these questions will likely change depending on who you speak to, even after they’ve been codified into law. Some historians cite this passion for debate as one of the reasons the United States was able to form a nation at all—a healthy government encourages its citizens to engage with the process, to dissent, and to express themselves in a peaceful way. Ironically, our divisions highlight a part of the essential DNA that’s shared by all Americans. The Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibit offers we the people a chance to explore this shared identity.

The selfie station set up by the League of Women Voters is something voters on all sides of the political spectrum can enjoy. Photo by Karlie Ybarra

Hosted by the Bethany Library, Voices and Votes is part of the Smithsonian’s traveling Museum on Main Street program. The six vibrant sections each are bursting with information, political cartoons, photos, artifacts, magazines, protest signs, and much more that take viewers on an exploration through American history.

The whole thing begins, naturally, with the revolution.

“It was truly a radical idea to entrust the power of the nation not in a monarchy but its citizens,” reads an introduction.

While there is plenty of info many citizens will remember from history class, there are fascinating facts around every corner. For instance, I had no idea that even as they attempted to throw off the yoke of monarchy, at least one founding father—Alexander Hamilton—wanted to appoint the president to serve a life term (not to get political here, but I’m sure glad he lost that debate).

An interactive section where visitors can trash or pass amendments. Photo by Karlie Ybarra

The exhibit also features lots of interactive features even younger citizens will appreciate. There’s an opportunity to pass or trash amendments to the Constitution. By selecting one of dozens of protest signs, visitors can learn about various social and political movements. And the Smithsonian Institution compiled dozens of interviews of people around the country of different ages, races, and backgrounds about what being an engaged citizen means to them.

The fact that Oklahomans currently can explore Voices and Votes in Bethany is in itself evidence of the feats Americans can accomplish when working together. The Oklahoma Humanities Council, the League of Women Voters, the Metropolitan Library system and more had to cooperate to make it possible.

There also are groups hosting immersive events. On January 4, Meet the Citizen brings in new U.S. citizens to share their stories and play citizenship bingo. The Race Dance Collective is hosting Protest Dance Through the Ages on January 18 at 10 a.m. Each Sunday at 2 p.m., the library brings in an Oklahoma historian to cover the state’s Lost History. Finally, the League of Women Voters brings in some of history’s most important women during Suffragette Storytime on December 18 and 21 and January 13 and 15.

Visitors can "pass or trash" amendments at this interactive station. Photo by Karlie Ybarra

It's hard to encapsulate just how powerful this exhibit is, but one quote featured within by President George H.W. Bush in 1988 resonates with me and, I believe, reflects the beautiful potential of American democracy.

“We are a nation of communities . . . a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be on display at the Bethany Library until January 25. 6700 Northwest 35th Street, (405) 789-8363. museumonmainstreet.org/voicesvotes

Written By

Karlie Ybarra

Managing editor Karlie Ybarra loves to explore her home state—and meet many of its animal citizens—any chance she gets.