Many Voices, One Nation

Through 2026, and beyond, AHA is inviting Alabamians to reflect on America’s 250th anniversary, spark community conversations, and explore the richness and complexity of our shared American story. And that includes another Smithsonian partnership that’s helping Alabamians tell our own stories.

Many Voices, One Nation began as a permanent exhibit on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. For America’s 250th, AHA helped secure “starter kits” of the exhibit, with two host partners selected to curate locally focused versions of the exhibit right here in Alabama. Each exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street and National Museum of American History. And each exhibit weaves Alabama’s stories into America’s — highlighting the people, places, and events that have shaped these Alabama communities, from past to present.

-In Ozark, the Dale County Council of the Arts and Humanities, is showcasing “Voices of Dale County in the Wiregrass,” now open at the Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center.

-In Chatom, the Washington County Museum, is presenting “Alabama’s First County,” on display at the Old Washington County Courthouse at St. Stephens Historical Park.

These exhibits opened for America’s 250th on July 4, 2026. They will remain open through 2027.

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Many Voices, One Nation in Alabama is made possible thanks to the support of many individual and institutional donors, including the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, Ford Foundation, Wiregrass Foundation, ALA-TOM RC&D Council, and Wiregrass RC&D Council.

Many Voices! 2026-2027 schedule

“Voices of Dale County in the Wiregrass” (Ozark)

Featuring a locally curated Many Voices, One Nation exhibit, plus programming around a local book recently published, Spirit of Dale County: Celebrating Two Hundred Years. Local art display will feature watercolors and photographs, along with artist talks and other community programming.

Host partner: Dale County Council of the Arts and Humanities

Venue: Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center, Ozark

Opening reception: June 28, 2026

Exhibit hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm

On display through: 2027

Contact info:
334.445.6526
ruddartcenter.org
frankt_artist@yahoo.com

“Alabama’s First County” (St. Stephens)

Featuring a locally curated Many Voices, One Nation exhibit that reflects the history and culture of Washington County, Alabama’s first county. The exhibit and accompanying programming will address local and national themes of expansion, freedom, inclusion, equality, migration, negotiation, and transformation. It explores the history of the U.S. and Washington County through the lens of our people — those who were here, those who came by force, and those who came seeking new beginnings.

Host partner: Washington County Museum, Chatom

Venue: Old Washington County Courthouse, St. Stephens Historical Park

Opening reception: June 26, 2026

Exhibit hours:

-June 27-July 5, 2026: 2-6pm
-July 7-on: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-2pm

On display through: 2027

Contact info:
251.847.3156
washcoalhistory.com
wash.co.al.history@gmail.com

Many Voices, One Nation

Many Voices flyer

Alabama Humanities could not be prouder to help add Alabama’s voices to the Smithsonian's Many Voices, One Nation exhibit — highlighting the people, places, stories, and events that have shaped local communities, from past to present.

State flyer

Many Voices in Dale County

Learn more about “Voices of Dale County in the Wiregrass," a locally curated Many Voices, One Nation exhibit reflecting the people, places, art, and history of the Wiregrass. Now on display at Ozark' Dowling Museum/Ann Rudd Art Center.

Ann Rudd Art Center

Many Voices in Washington County

Learn more about “Alabama’s First County," a locally curated Many Voices, One Nation exhibit that reflects the history and culture of Washington County, Alabama’s first county. Now on display at St. Stephens Historical Park.

Washington County Museum