Many Voices, One Nation

One week ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Alabama Humanities Alliance celebrated the openings of a pair of in-state exhibits for Many Voices, One Nation. The openings took place in the communities of Ozark and St. Stephens, and a photo album is available on AHA’s Facebook page.

Many Voices, One Nation began as a permanent exhibit on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. For America’s 250th, AHA helped secure “starter kits” to create local versions of the exhibit. Now open, these exhibits highlight the people, places, stories, and events that have shaped our own Alabama communities from past to present.

“We are so grateful for our longtime partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and for the invaluable resources and experiences this partnership generates for the people of Alabama,” says Chuck Holmes, AHA executive director. “Especially right now, as we celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, this is a special opportunity see how the stories of Alabama tie into the larger narrative of American history.”

On June 26, the Washington County Museum and the St. Stephens Historical Commission partnered to debut Many Voices, One Nation: Alabama’s First County as its locally customized exhibit, at the Old Washington County Courthouse in St. Stephens Historical Park. The exhibit is open daily through July 5, from 2-6pm, before moving to a different schedule hrough 2027.

 

Over in Ozark, the Dale County Council of Arts & Humanities worked with community members and Smithsonian staff to curate its local exhibit, Many Voices, One Nation: Voices of Dale County in the Wiregrass. The exhibit opened on June 28 and will remain on display through August 8 at the Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center. The exhibit will then travel to venues across the Wiregrass through 2027.

AHA and America at 250

Many Voices, One Nation is just one of many ways that the Alabama Humanities Alliance is helping Alabamians commemorate this milestone year. Among AHA’s 250 highlights this year:

–Grant offerings, available statewide, to help Alabamians reflect on America’s founding and spark community conversations

–250 Road Scholars presentations for communities across the state, highlighting America’s founding era

-Americans, a Smithsonian traveling exhibit opening in the fall that will visit Atmore, Wetumpka, Florence, Scottsboro, and Foley

-Alabama Colloquium series this fall, celebrating the diverse music of Alabama and honoring scholars who elevate our nation’s history and ideals

-250-themed issue of Mosaic magazine, exploring our past for the sake of our future

–Healing History convening this fall that aims to bring Alabamians together to learn from our past

-Specially themed Alabama History Day 2026 state contest hosted at American Village

For more on all things 250, check out AHA’s America at 250 flyer.