Preserving History: The Smithsonian Institution Under Scrutiny
A History Enthusiast’s Viewpoint
Growing up in Oklahoma and Kansas, I developed a deep love for history during visits to local museums like the Fellow-Reeves Museum in Wichita and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
This passion persisted throughout my graduate studies, where I spent many hours at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, learning about human flight and ballooning. Now, as a history teacher in Connecticut, I incorporate the Smithsonian’s exhibits into my lessons.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has expressed dissatisfaction with the historical narratives presented by the Smithsonian Institution and other US museums.
Trump’s Executive Order: Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History
On March 27, Trump issued an executive order called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” claiming that there has been a widespread effort to rewrite American history with a distorted, ideology-driven narrative instead of objective facts.
The order specifically targeted the Smithsonian Institution, dedicating a section to “saving” it from “divisive, race-centered ideology.”
The Dispute Over America’s Historical Narrative
History is a contentious field, with ongoing debates about what should be included or excluded from America’s story. For instance, during the Prohibition era, school boards argued over whether history textbooks should include images of soldiers drinking to illustrate the 1791 Whiskey Rebellion.
More recent debates focus on balancing the nation’s accomplishments with its darker chapters. As a national institution that receives most of its funds from the federal government, the Smithsonian sometimes finds itself in the crosshairs.
The Smithsonian Institution: America’s Historical Treasure Trove
Established in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution owes its existence to British chemist James Smithson, who bequeathed his estate to the US to create “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
The idea of a national institution dedicated to history, science, and learning was controversial from the start. Southern plantation owners and western frontiersmen, including President Andrew Jackson, saw it as an unnecessary assertion of federal power.
Despite these challenges, a group led by former president John Quincy Adams ensured Smithson’s vision became a reality. Today, the Smithsonian operates 14 education and research centers, the National Zoo, and 21 museums, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Smithsonian in the Line of Fire
The Smithsonian has faced criticism and controversy in the past, such as the 1991 exhibition “The West as America” at the National Museum of American Art and the 1994 debate over the Enola Gay exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum.
These incidents raised questions about the ability of public museums to express critical ideas about the US without risk of censorship.
Trump’s 1776 Commission and the National Garden of American Heroes
In response to The New York Times’ 1619 Project, the Trump administration formed its 1776 commission to promote “patriotic education.” In 2021, Trump pledged to build a National Garden of American Heroes, featuring statues of the greatest Americans.
President Biden rescinded the order, but Trump reissued it after retaking the White House, suggesting figures such as Christopher Columbus, George Washington, and Whitney Houston for inclusion.
The Value of Open Historical Debate
Historical scholarship requires openness to debate, a willingness to embrace new findings and perspectives, and the humility to accept that no one has a monopoly on the truth. By complicating the story and embracing its messy glory, we can truly learn from history.
Jennifer Tucker is Professor of History, Wesleyan University.
This article was first published on The Conversation.
