About Voices and Votes

Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Content development for Voices and Votes was led by Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus in the Division of Political History at the National Museum of American History. Voices and Votes 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.

When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans:

• 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?
• How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision. From revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story – the story of democracy in America.

Learn more about the five sections of the exhibit here.

View downloadable resources here. 

Learn more about the inspiration behind Voices and Votes here.

What is Included?

• All shipping costs to and from the venue
• All costs for two community representatives to attend two programming workshops in Boise (location may change – date will be confirmed once sites are selected)
• All costs for two community representatives to attend an Installation workshop at the first host site
• $1,500 to assist with supplemental programming
• Publicity materials including postcards, posters, banners, and more
• Complimentary consultation with experts to assist with local programming
• Monthly virtual meeting with host sites to discuss program ideas and other exhibit-related topics

Idaho tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public institutions are eligible to apply. Although universities and colleges are eligible to apply, it is encouraged to partner with and apply through other local nonprofits and demonstrate a non-campus audience. All organizations are required to have a valid SAM number.

Special consideration may be given based on the following:

• Organizations serving rural counties as defined by IDHW
• Communities that have a population under 20,000
• Organizations that will reach new and/or underserved audiences
• Sites that collectively represent a broad geographic reach across Idaho
• Sites that demonstrate strong partnerships in the application
• Sites that will make an effort to work with younger audiences (18 – 35) and K-12 educators, where applicable (IHC understands summer stops will likely not be able to work with educators during their tour stop)

The venue must meet all the following to be considered to host the exhibit:

1. The venue must have a minimum of 650 square feet of space for the exhibit
2. The exhibit cannot be displayed in a hallway, alley, outdoors, or in a tent/temporary building
3. The exhibit must have staff watching during the entire time the exhibit is open and may not be left unsupervised while open
4. The exhibit must be locked and secure at the end of the day (when public cannot access the exhibit)
5. There may not be direct sunlight in the exhibit space. You must diffuse the sunlight in the space if there is any
6. The venue space may not exceed 80 degrees the entire time the exhibit is in the space
7. The venue space must be ADA compliant
8. The venue space will need a minimum of about 8' ceiling height clearance
9. You will need about 200 square feet of storage for the exhibit crates

Applicants will be required to choose the top three dates that work the best for them based on the schedule below:

All host sites will be required to have additional programs open to the public. These programs should tie themes from Voices and Votes to the local community. Programs may be either in person or virtual, and it is encouraged to have programming leading up to, during, and in the weeks after the exhibit is in your community and encourages non-traditional programming – try something new! The IHC does not expect a full programming plan during the application stage.

Cost Share/Match

All projects require a one-to-one match. For Museum on Main Street, this means you will need to have $1,500 or greater provided to receive the $1,500 award from the IHC. The match can be from either in-kind service (such as volunteer hours or venue rentals), salaries/wages, or cash. Any combination can make the match of these three.

You will not need to show this match during the application process, as Doug Exton will meet with selected sites on how best to record and report this figure.

Allowable Costs

Selected sites will receive $1,500 in addition to the exhibit. The grant funds may only be used for allowable costs. 

Unallowable costs include:

• Projects that involve direct action or the planning of direct action to resolve social issues of public policy or public concern
• Projects that influence an audience toward a single position or present a one-sided, uncritical treatment of an issue
• Building construction, acquisition, or restoration costs (including historical preservation costs)
• Costs related to political action or advocacy
• The creation or performance of art (i.e., painting, dance, or theater)
• Expenses incurred before the grant period
• Purchase of real property
• Alcohol
• Scholarships and awards
• Museum acquisitions

Applications will only be received electronically through our grant system. Paper applications will not be accepted. If you would like assistance filling out the application, please contact David Pettyjohn, Executive Director (david@idahohumanities.org)