Witness to the Journey

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Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South,1965

September 4 – November 8, 2026

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 presents a compelling selection of 28 black-and-white photographs by renowned civil rights photographer Matt Herron. This exhibition documents the historic Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  

The images are sourced from an exhibit originally curated by Herron, who passed away in 2020, and are now part of the Freedom Center’s collection. The photographs will be accompanied by some of Herron’s personal effects, such as his leather camera bag and hip carrier. The exhibit also includes materials that educate on the immediate impact of the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing fight for voter equity today, featuring oral histories with foot soldiers collected by Foot Soldiers Park and interviews with local activists and changemakers. 

By revisiting these images in 2026— during America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence —the exhibition encourages reflection on how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.

Witness to the Journey is part of the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View. Now in its eighth iteration, the Biennial activates over 70 exhibitions at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky in October 2026. 

Location

Skirball gallery, third floor
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Admission

Included with general admission.
Free for Biennial Passholders.
Free for Members and on Fifth Third Community Days.

Become a member today →

The 2026 FotoFocus Biennial theme, "The Long View,” considers aspects of time and perspective in photography and film, and how these mediums shape our understanding of the world.

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 will be on view in the Freedom Center's Skirball Gallery from September 4 through November 8, 2026. Support for this 2026 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition was provided by FotoFocus. 

 

Featured Programming

September 20: Voter Registration

In addition to free admission and an exciting lineup of programs related to International Underground Railroad Month for our Fifth Third Community Day, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio will host voter registration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in our First Floor Lobby.

September 24: The Vote, The Map, and The Law: What’s at Stake in Ohio’s Election

Join us for this exciting collaborative program with the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the University of Cincinnati Law School in which subject matter experts will talk about the history of voting rights and gerrymandering in Ohio, and what it means for voters in the upcoming general November 2026 election. Learn more and register for free.

October 18: Fifth Third Community Day

In addition to free admission for the day, we are proud to welcome community partners for unique programming related to Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965. Check back for additional details.