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Create a Smithsonian Exhibition for Your Town

Florida Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), is offering grant funding for communities to participate in their new Exhibition Starter Kit program, Many Voices, One Nation. Up to five Florida-based, non-profit organizations will receive funding to utilize templated resources and Smithsonian-curated content to create local exhibitions that explore how the many voices of the people in America have shaped our nation and our communities. The project will culminate with local exhibitions opening to the public in July 2026 when our country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Exhibition Starter Kits provide a Smithsonian-developed framework to guide selected venues through the development of local humanities-based exhibitions using their own collections and cultural content. While working on their exhibition project, funded venues will receive guidance from the Smithsonian on how to design and develop compelling exhibitions that are reflective of the people, places, and events important to their community.

Many Voices, One Nation is based on an original exhibition created by the National Museum of American History.

Eligibility & Venue Requirements

Florida non-profit organizations such as museums, historical societies, libraries, historic preservation groups, downtown development groups, and Main Street organizations are eligible to apply. Individuals, foreign, or for-profit organizations are ineligible for funding.

All venues must:

  • have sufficient floor space (200 square feet) to install two ready-to-build, stand-alone structures and a minimum of 100 running feet of wall space for wall mounted panels
  • be fully handicap accessible
  • open to the public a minimum of 25 hours per week, and
  • may not charge a special fee for entrance to the exhibit in addition to the venue’s regular admission fee

Questions?
Contact us.

grants@flahum.org

About the Starter Kit Program

Through Many Voices, One Nation, communities can dig deeper into the cultural intersections and transformations that have shaped the places they call home. America is a nation of diverse ethnicities, stories, and perspectives across many unique regions. Every town has fascinating stories to tell of the people who are woven into their cultural heritage. Who was here first, who came freely, and who came by force? When have these different voices intersected to impact who is free, who is included, and who is equal? By listening to these many voices, we stretch, deepen, and enrich our understanding of American history.

The Exhibition Starter Kit includes print-it-yourself templated panels that can be customized with local content as well as two prebuilt, stand-alone structures. Host sites will receive virtual and in-person training on topics ranging from interpretation to fabrication and technical support throughout the development process.

Each Starter Kit includes:

  • 5-Year licensing agreement with the Smithsonian that includes support for exhibition planning and development and hosting of a local exhibition
  • Two Ready-to-Build stand-alone structures with Smithsonian-curated content on ready-to-assemble banners (approx. 200 square feet)
  • Digital files for Ready-to-Print panels for local content (approx. 100 running feet)
  • Exhibition Handbook to guide sites from exhibition concept to completion
  • Graphics package of design elements
  • Digital promotional materials 
  • Educational resources for engaging the community in the exhibition
  • In-person and virtual training sessions over a period of one year hosted by Smithsonian and Florida Humanities staff
  • On-going project support from Smithsonian staff

Looking for Inspiration?

Check out these resources for ideas on exhibition content:

  • “Many Voices, One Nation” national exhibition —Virtually tour the original exhibition currently on view at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.
  • American Association for State and Local History — Download a free copy of their “Making History at 250” field guide and browse a number of other publications, webinars, blog posts, and other resources to help your community prepare for the Semiquincentennial
  • America250— Learn more about the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and their efforts to create programs that inspire Americans to renew and strengthen our democracy and celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
  • American Academy of Arts & Sciences—Download a free copy of “Our Common Purpose”, a report created by the bipartisan Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship for recommendations on how to strengthen America’s civic culture and create a more resilient democracy.

How to Apply

1

Read the Guidelines

Please review the grant guidelines and watch our short webinar for more information about the Starter Kit program including full eligibility requirements and site selection criteria.

Download Guidelines
2

Submit a Letter of Interest

The deadline for this application has passed. Please stay tuned for future deadlines.

3

Submit Final Application

The deadline for this application has passed. Please stay tuned for future deadlines.

Exhibition Starter Kit: Many Voices, One Nation is developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program and the National Museum of American History. It is based on an original exhibition created by the National Museum of American History.

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