Voices & Votes: Democracy in America Virtual kickoff: – Dolly Madison “Squeeze” for a New Generation of Americans

In celebration of the official arrival of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museums on Main Street exhibit “Voices and Votes” at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, we’ll be hosting a digital “Squeeze” in the tradition of First Lady Dolley Madison. While possibly most famous for rescuing the George Washington portrait when the British set the White House on fire in 1814, Madison did her part to save early American democracy by humanizing political foes and making strong difference of opinion tolerable (almost fun) in regular social gatherings that were so well-attended they became known as a “Squeeze.” Here we’ll do our best to Squeeze as many Sarasota citizens as possible onto a Zoom call, then we’ll pose conversation topics, quickly rotating small groups – almost as if you were right there at 1600 Pennsylvania, back in the day with Dolly. (Given the limitations of a digital Squeeze, bring your own refreshments.)

From the beginning of American democracy, there was lots to disagree about – now is no exception – so let’s keep the tradition of engagement across diversity alive and well.

This virtual program will be hosted in Zoom. Once you register you will be sent a confirmation email with information about using Zoom and you will also receive the Meeting ID and password.

Please remember to check your spam if you have not received the confirmation email.