‘Your Vote, Your Voice’ exhibition now open at the New Castle Court House Museum
By Elizabeth Coulter, curator of collections for the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, and Juliette Wurm, lead interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum
The New Castle Court House Museum in New Castle, Delaware, has a new exhibition now open to the public: “Your Vote, Your Voice,” exploring the history of voting rights in the First State. The museum originally served as a courthouse, a polling station and a seat of government used by the colonial assembly in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The exhibition delves into the history of voting rights from that period through the present day in Delaware.
Voting was not always protected at the federal level, but was originally left to each state to decide who was qualified to vote. This created disparities and inequities in the voting process across the country from its onset.
The history of voting rights and the sociopolitical climate in Delaware was greatly influenced by its geography as a state bordering the Mason-Dixon Line. Over time, amendments to the Constitution were ratified to instill protections to the right to vote, including the 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments as well as specific voting acts. Each state reacted to these amendments differently, and Delaware’s political decision-making over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries still impacts the lived experiences of Delawareans today.
While positive changes have been made to defend and enhance voting rights, certain other actions have endangered voting rights for particular groups. No matter the political party, voting gives people a voice in making decisions that impact their future. Therefore, understanding, protecting and expanding voting rights are essential to progress in Delaware and the United States of America at large.
To explore this history and highlights from the Division’s Historic Collection on view in “Your Vote, Your Voice,” visit the Museum during public hours. Tours of the Museum are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.
As the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Curator of Collections, Elizabeth Coulter participates in developing and installing exhibitions, developing and presenting educational programs, providing access to the collections, collaborating with partnering organizations and expanding the profile and use of the collections. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and American studies from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in decorative arts history from George Mason University and the Smithsonian Associates.
Juliette is the lead interpreter at the New Castle Court House Museum. A native of southeastern Pennsylvania, she received a bachelor’s degree in history from the State University of New York at Cortland and a master’s degree in museum education from George Washington University.