On September 25-27, 2026, John Brown Lives! will host Americans Who Tell The Truth Outdoor Gallery Walk, a public program that invites community members to learn about individuals who dedicated their lives to ensure equal voting rights in the United States. The event is at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Road in Lake Placid, from 3-5pm each day.

The outdoor gallery features 28 portraits by artist Robert Shetterly of historic figures including Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Paul Robeson and living Americans such as Sherrilyn Ifill, Heather Cox Richardson and the Rev. William Barber.

The program is part of We Want More History!, a coordinated, national celebration of history programming designed to strengthen civic health, build community trust, foster democratic dialogue, and showcase the essential role of history in public life. At a time of heightened public interest in how American history is interpreted, this program supports trusted public institutions where people already gather to learn, reflect, and engage. Timed to coincide with National Public Lands Day, We Want More History! will feature libraries, parks, museums, historic sites, schools, and community organizations across the country hosting talks, exhibits, walking tours, community conversations, film screenings, storytelling events, hikes, paddles, and other programs that connect people with the stories of the places they call home.

“We’re excited that community members will have an opportunity to participate in this important national celebration and learn about and draw inspiration from fellow Americans who helped to secure one of our most fundamental, and threatened, rights—the right to vote,” said Martha Swan, JBL! Executive Director.

Cider, donuts and apples will be offered and there will be a children’s story hour under the tent at 4:15pm each day. Admission is free and registration is not required.

Funding for the portrait installation has been providing by generous community members and the New York State Division of Human Rights.

For information, visit www.johnbrownlives.org, email [email protected] or text at 518-744-7112.

About We Want More History!

We Want More History! is a nationwide celebration of history focused on the weekend of September 25–27, 2026. The initiative brings together libraries, parks, museums, historic sites, schools, and community organizations to create opportunities for people to explore the stories of the places they call home. It is organized by the American Historical Association, Organization for American Historians, American Library Association, Urban Libraries Council, American Association for State and Local History, Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, National Council for the Social Studies, National Council on Public History, Explore Kentucky, and Yale University’s Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition.