Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
Hosted by Onondaga Historical Association and the Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center
April 18 – May 30, 2025
Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center, 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool, NY
The Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center will host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a dynamic traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, in partnership with the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA). This multimedia exhibition explores the history, principles, and ongoing evolution of American democracy, from the revolution to today’s challenges and conversations. Featuring powerful images, historical artifacts, video, and interactive components, Voices and Votes invites visitors of all ages to reflect on what it means to participate in a democratic society.
In conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibition, the Skä•noñh Center will present a companion exhibit, Nations to Nation: Haudenosaunee Influence on American Democracy, highlighting the profound impact of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—especially the Onondaga Nation—on U.S. democratic principles. Visitors will gain insight into the Great Law of Peace, Haudenosaunee governance, and the continued relevance of Indigenous political philosophy in shaping America’s foundational ideals.
OHA will also debut a second response exhibition, Revolutions and Relationships: The Evolution of American Democracy, at its downtown Syracuse museum (321 Montgomery Street), tracing the development of American democratic ideals through pivotal events and cultural shifts over the last 250 years.
These exhibitions are part of the statewide initiative “A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy,” led by the Museum Association of New York, and will be accompanied by community programming including guest speakers, workshops, and book discussions focused on civic engagement and participatory governance.
Admission & Hours:
Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission is free for individuals
Visit agoranewyork.org/programs-and-events for event updates and program schedules.