Edition No. 50
Arts and Culture
Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? How do you participate as a citizen? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a traveling version of a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, will be a springboard for discussions about these very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. From the revolution and suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots, Voices and Votes will provide space for conversation around our democracy.
Community and Family
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
American Democracy
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section which focuses on seven 1961 protests that were pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
The War Memorial is excited to receive and host the final touring leg of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. The exhibition has already made its way to five other Michigan cities, including:
· Big Rapids – Artworks Big Rapids
· Grass Lake – Lost Railway Museum
· Traverse City – Dennos Museum Center
· Lapeer – The Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer
· Mt. Pleasant – Chippewa River District Library
Voices and Votes examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Visitors will have an opportunity to explore historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
This traveling exhibition has been made available to The War Memorial by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.
The exhibit is suitable for all ages. But, because it prompts thought and discussion about America’s past, present, and future, Voices and Votes is an especially good tool for social studies teachers, Scout leaders, and parents looking for something worthwhile to do with the kids over the holidays.
The exhibit is free, but we are asking that patrons pre-register for specific times to visit and mask when in the Carriage House in consideration for others.
Times to visit will be available Monday – Friday: 10am - 4:30pm; Saturday 10am – 1pm. The exhibit will be closed on Sundays. Holiday hours may vary so please visit the link below to view schedule updates.
J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1941 Photo credit Detroit Historical Society
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
After the pandemic year of 2020, we can only imagine how many people spent last holiday season alone due to restrictions and health concerns. Anticipated gatherings with adored family and friends were simply put on pause.
If we realized anything throughout these challenging times it is that we are indeed social beings and exude a feeling of fulfillment when we are together, with family or friends, amongst classmates or nestled in our workspaces. We form a sense of purpose when we can connect and engage with people.
As we continue to safely reconnect with our loved ones and once again anticipate the joyous holiday season, The War Memorial encourages you to take a listen to NPR’s “Holiday Season Starter Kit,” a helpful handful of podcasts ranging from taking on family holiday recipes to ways to navigate emotionally charged conversations at the turkey table.
Times are certainly different, and we must remember to give ourselves grace as we ease back into the intricacies of gathering, but also seek gratitude as we continue to forge ahead!
“Seven Days of 1961,”
USA Today Network
“In 1961 I used to hear people say, ‘The struggle continues’, I just thought it was some words… It is, in fact, not just words. There is a reality behind it, which says those in power do not want to ever give up power.’’ -- Courtland Cox
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section.
“Seven Days of 1961” focuses on seven 1961 protests that were both painful and pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward. In the print edition, the first article looks at the integration of the University of Georgia by its first two black students, Hamilton Holmes (1941-1995) and Charlayne Hunter-Gault. After graduation, Holmes attended medical school to become a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and professor of medicine at Emory University while Hunter-Gault went on to an equally distinguished 60-year career in journalism at NBC, New York Times, PBS NewsHour, NPR, and CNN.
The series is a magisterial treatment of seven critical events, all contained within a single calendar year, that moved our nation forward and warrants close reading and careful consideration.
NOTE: Full access to some “Seven Days in 1961” material at the link above may require a subscription to one of the USA Today Network papers.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.