Brooklyn Life

Cast a Vote for Shirley Chisholm and Explore Her Life in MCNY Exhibit

An exhibit exploring the life and work of Shirley Chisholm offers visitors to the Museum of the City of New York a chance to operate a 1972 voting booth.

Photo by Brad Farwell for MCNY

by Susan De Vries

02/07/2025 0

There is still time to vote for Shirley Chisholm. An exhibit exploring the life and work of the Brooklyn politician in celebration of her 100th birthday offers visitors to the Museum of the City of New York a chance to operate a 1972 voting booth and cast a ballot.

“Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100” opened in June and visitors have until July 20 to delve into the examination of her heritage, groundbreaking political work, and legacy. Film and sound clips, photographs, and objects are used to tell her story, including mentions of the Brooklyn places connected with her life. The Brooklynite was the first Black woman elected to Congress and, with her 1972 campaign, was the first Black woman running as a major-party candidate for the office of President of the United States.

a red white and blue dress — Photo by Brad Farwell for MCNY

A section of the exhibit also explores works inspired by Chisholm and more recent efforts to commemorate her life, including plans for a monument in Prospect Park. For young visitors, there is a reading nook with books about the trailblazer and a chance to post a drawing or note. All of the exhibition text is displayed in both English and Spanish.

After the exhibit closes, the final visitor voting tally will be posted online. The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 5th Avenue in Manhattan and is open seven days a week. More information about hours and admission can be found on the museum website.