Museum on Main Street
Visit the Smithsonian Institution in Florida!
The Smithsonian Institution was founded on August 10, 1846. In the 170 years since the Smithsonian was created, it has become an internationally recognized educational system. Yet, many Americans are unable to travel to our nation’s capital to experience any of the 19 museums operated by the Smithsonian.
Museum on Main Street (MoMS) responds to this challenge. The MoMS partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and Florida Humanities brings high-quality traveling exhibits to small and under-resourced communities across Florida. Museums can access a network of state scholars, obtain program funding, and leverage a variety of capacity-building opportunities.
A range of exhibition themes are available. With its impassioned focus on local history, education and community redevelopment, Museum on Main Street is one of the Smithsonian’s most inspirational and enduring outreach programs.
Coming Soon: Voices and Votes Spring 2023 Applications
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence, they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans: who has the right to vote, what are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens, and whose voices will be heard? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories.
Applications to host this exhibit will open in late February and be due in August 2023. Up to five sites will be selected statewide to host the exhibit for 7-8 weeks each between March 2024 and January 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
“And what can I say about the communities that host our exhibitions? Unbelievable, truly. We’re so humbled by the sense of teamwork, volunteerism, and local pride that comes to fruition at small museums, libraries and community centers. The American spirit is alive and thriving in these towns, and we are honored to inspire it.”
—Carol Harsh, Director, Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street program
“And what can I say about the communities that host our exhibitions? Unbelievable, truly. We’re so humbled by the sense of teamwork, volunteerism, and local pride that comes to fruition at small museums, libraries and community centers. The American spirit is alive and thriving in these towns, and we are honored to inspire it.”
—Carol Harsh, Director, Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street program
Museum on Main Street Creating Impact in Florida 2012-2021
