October 1, 2026
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — Brewton-Parker Christian University welcomed students, educators, community members, and guests to campus Monday, September 14, for the opening ceremony of Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition exploring the history of American democracy and the many ways citizens have participated in shaping the nation.
BPCU was selected by Georgia Humanities as a host site for the exhibition through Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, state humanities councils, and local host institutions that brings Smithsonian exhibitions to rural communities across the country. Voices and Votes opened September 14 in Fountain-New Library and will remain on campus through October 1 before returning for a second exhibition period in the spring.
The opening ceremony brought together members of the BPCU community, local schools, and community guests to celebrate the exhibition’s arrival in Southeast Georgia. The program began with prelude music from the Dodge County High School Band, followed by a welcome from BPCU President, Dr. Steven Echols. BPCU student Jonathan Hutto then led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“One of the privileges we have as a university is creating opportunities for our students and our community to learn from the past and consider the role each of us plays in shaping the future,” said Dr. Echols. “We are grateful to the Smithsonian and Georgia Humanities for giving BPCU the opportunity to bring an exhibition of this caliber to Southeast Georgia and make it accessible to the communities we serve.”
The Dodge County High School Band, the Montgomery County High School Band, and BPCU Wind Ensemble performed the National Anthem, led by BPCU Professor of Worship and Church Music, Dr. David S. Wilson. Following that, Dr. Beverly Robinson shared about the application process that led to BPCU’s selection as a host site, while Christina Wolfe of Georgia Humanities highlighted the organization’s partnership with the Smithsonian and its work to bring nationally curated exhibitions to communities across Georgia. Dr. Roger Byrd provided an overview of Voices and Votes and the significance of bringing the Smithsonian exhibition to BPCU and the surrounding community.
“Museum on Main Street gives communities across Georgia the opportunity to engage with Smithsonian exhibitions in their own hometowns,” said Dr. Wolfe. “We are excited to see Voices and Votes come to Mount Vernon and to see BPCU use this opportunity to bring students, schools, and community members together to explore the history and responsibilities of American democracy.”
As part of the ceremony, Dr. Echols shared the story of Warren C. Crawley, Sr., connecting a local story of sacrifice and love to the broader themes of citizenship, freedom, and participation explored throughout the exhibition. The ceremony concluded with a performance of “God Bless America,” followed by BPCU Provost Dr. Justin E. Russell, who provided the benediction before guests were invited inside Fountain-New Library to experience the exhibition.
Voices and Votes explores the nearly 250-year American experiment of government “of, by and for the people,” examining the origins of American democracy, the struggle to obtain and preserve voting rights, the ways citizens participate in government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. By bringing the exhibition to BPCU, the university has an opportunity to connect these national themes with the stories of individuals and communities in Southeast Georgia, encouraging visitors to consider their own role in the continuing story of American democracy.
BPCU will host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America in the Fountain-New Library through October 1, 2026. The exhibition will return to campus for a second period from February 5 through March 19, 2027. During both exhibition periods, BPCU will welcome students, area schools, community organizations, and visitors to campus to explore the exhibit.
Voices and Votes has been made possible in Mount Vernon by Georgia Humanities.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
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