New York State is getting a taste of the Smithsonian both this year and next. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a traveling exhibit developed by the historic museum and is currenlty set up in historic Sackets Harbor in the North Country.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Smithsonian exhibit is in Sackets Harbor for several weeks and the village has a number of weekend events scheduled to coincide with it

  •  Sackets Harbor had the first female mayor in New York, not getting a second one until less than a decade ago

  •  The exhibit will make several stops across New York both this year and next

“There is no issue of states rights or national rights. There is only the struggle for human rights,” then President Lyndon B. Johnson said during a speech to Congress. ‘It is wrong, deadly wrong, to deny any American the right to vote in this country.”

When it comes to U.S. and even New York history in small towns, not many compare to Sackets Harbor.

In fact, Sackets Harbor elected New York's first female mayor, Anna Mason.

“She also wrote a poem when she stepped down from office. Apparently, she was not too pleased with the men in government. She does express that in her poem,” Sackets Harbor Battlefield Site Manager Constance Barone said.

One of a long line of issues related to human rights and equality that have affected not only Sackets Harbor, but the United States as a whole.

“What is our sense of place? Who are we? What kind of legacy are we going to be passing on from this generation?” Barone asked.

Questions asked generations ago that still very much have relevance today. It’s why Sackets Harbor is thrilled to welcome a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian called "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America."

From the early days to the present day, "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" takes us through time — the good and the bad — as people from all walks of life fought for their voice and their vote.

"This exhibition is sort of kicking off the American Revolution anniversary. So we're looking at this long experiment in democracy,” Barone said.

The exhibit features everything from articles and photos to artifacts, with several interactive exhibits.

“We know that this will be very conducive to learning no matter what age,” Barone added.

There’s the national focus with a lot of local history mixed in. In fact, every weekend until June 29, when this exhibit wraps up, Sackets Harbor is mixing in a special program, everything from storytelling to art workshops — even local discussions on press and music.

“If you're not already civically engaged, then engage in your community,” Baron said.

After wrapping up in Sackets, the exhibit will be in Seneca Falls, Jamestown and Utica later this year with stops in Buffalo, Liverpool, Albany and Elmira in 2025.