“I think the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom, and happiness.”

— President Thomas Jefferson, 1786

Exhibition Specifications

Participation Fee

$60,000 for 4-month booking including shipping

Size

The traveling exhibition requires 4,000 to 4,500 square feet of dedicated gallery space.
Local content must be contributed by the host venue and will increase display space.

Audio/Visual

Five interactive touchscreen programs developed by the National Museum of American History with equipment provided.
Four video files on different aspects of American Democracy displayed on equipment provided by host venues.

Artifacts

15 to 20 historic artifacts from the National Museum of American History [cases provided].
More than 125 touchable, contemporary, and replica objects and ephemera [venues provide cases].
All objects travel with mounts- some will have decks or display platforms for use in cases.

Security

High

Shipping

Prorated shipping, included in fee

Tour

2019 to 2023

Supplemental

In addition to the traveling exhibition, SITES will provide:

• Complete curatorial information including script, checklist, and exhibit designs
• Complete registrarial, shipping, handling, and installation instructions
• Complete public relations resources and support, including press releases, press images, and templates for promotional materials
• Wall-to-wall fine-arts insurance coverage under the Smithsonian’s policy
• Catalogues from original National Museum of American History (100 per venue)

Education & Programming

American Democracy will go beyond the walls of museums to reach thousands of Americans through public programming. This exhibition will be a springboard to a broad array of public and educational outreach opportunities across the country, reinforcing the importance of civics education. Working with our partners and venues, American Democracy opens up programming and educational opportunities such as:

• The National Museum of American History will offer the “Let’s Do History” teacher training program to the school district in which each host venue of American Democracy is located to coincide with the exhibition display through 2020.
  Learn more at historyexplorer.si.edu/dohistory.
• Programming resources including speakers list, bibliography, and activities
• High-profile public events such as naturalization ceremonies, reenactments, and voter registration drives
• Use of “Unity Square” branded staging for public programming at host venues
• Material resources for educational programming from the National Museum of American History.
• K through 12 outreach with curriculum developed by Random House
• Teacher development workshops on civics
• Engaging activities for students through mock elections, candidate forums, special research projects, and programming on civic holidays and commemorative days such as Constitution Day

Registrarial Requirements

American Democracy has been designated High Security, and will be offered to those institutions able to meet the Smithsonian’s requirements. Key requirements are listed below.

• The traveling exhibition requires 4,000 to 4,500 square feet of dedicated gallery space. Additional content added by the host venue will require additional display space.

• All gallery preparation work, especially painting and construction, must be completed at least 20 days before the exhibition is brought into the gallery.

• The exhibition space, staging and storage areas must have temperature and humidity controls to guarantee an environment of 45% to 55% relative humidity and 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• The venue is required to submit gallery temperature and humidity readings per the instructions of the SITES registrar. The venue must submit 12 weeks of readings, six months prior to the opening date. Additionally, the venue must provide SITES with weekly readings submitted every two weeks while the exhibition is on display to indicate current compliance with the above listed requirements.

• The venue must have recording hygrothermographs or comparable equipment in the exhibition, staging and object storage spaces.

• No direct sunlight may reach the components to prevent fading. Light levels will be restricted to 3 foot candles. All lighting sources capable of producing UV light must be filtered.

• Empty crates must be stored in a secure, pest and temperature-controlled dry area. No part of the exhibition or crates may be displayed or stored outdoors.

• Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in the staging, storage, and exhibition areas.

• Professional guards must be present throughout the exhibition time, including unpacking, installation, de-installation, and packing. Alarm and/or guard surveillance during closing hours is required.

• A minimum of one (1) guard or trained personnel, whose sole duty is the supervision of the exhibition while it is on display, must be present in the gallery at all times during public hours and any special events to maintain proper crowd control and assure the security of all exhibit components.

• Due to the nature of the exhibition, at least one (1) additional guard may be required to be within sight of specific objects [to be determined] when the exhibit is open to the public and during special events.

• Venue must be able to install, support and maintain electronic elements that incorporate computers, internet connection, projectors, use of gallery walls as screens, and other AV components.

For a complete list of requirements and additional information, please contact:
Ruth Trevarrow, Registrar, trevarrowr@si.edu 202.633.3177.