Administration reevaluating Smithsonian exhibitions to ensure compatibility with Trump's perspective
The White House has announced an expansive review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions, focusing on their historical framing and content. The review aims to ensure that Smithsonian exhibitions portray uplifting, historically accurate, and inclusive narratives that emphasize American achievement and progress, rather than predominantly highlighting negative aspects such as slavery or social struggles.
Key proposed changes and areas of focus in the review include:
- Public-facing content: Assessing exhibition texts, wall labels, websites, educational materials, and digital/social media for tone and alignment with American ideals.
- Curatorial process: Interviewing curators and senior staff to understand how exhibitions are selected and approved.
- Exhibition planning: Reviewing current and future exhibitions, especially those planned for 2026 (the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence).
- Use of collections: Evaluating how collections are utilized and exploring better use, including digitization and lending to other institutions.
- Narrative standards: Developing consistent curatorial guidelines that reflect the Smithsonian’s original mission.
Initially, the review is focused on selected Smithsonian museums, including prominent ones like the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The White House has signaled that the review will specifically address concerns that exhibitions currently emphasize negative historical aspects and are perceived to lack emphasis on "success," "brightness," and the future.
This effort follows an executive order signed earlier in the year directing the removal of what the White House terms "improper ideology" from Smithsonian content, reflecting a broader policy stance against so-called "woke" narratives.
The review will include on-site observational visits and assessments of online content, internal curatorial processes, exhibition planning, use of collections, artist grants, and wording related to museum exhibit messaging. Museums are expected to begin implementing content corrections within 120 days, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions.
The review is aimed at making sure the museums reflect the "unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story" and reflect the president's executive order calling for "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The review was outlined in a letter sent to Lonnie Bunch, the institution's secretary.
Notably, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History temporarily removed a placard referring to Trump from an impeachment exhibit, but later restored it after criticism of the removal. The review comes amidst ongoing political discussions, with House Republicans moving to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the "Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts."
The Smithsonian Institution, which includes 21 museums, 14 education and research centres, and the National Zoo, has stated that its work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. The institution has not yet released a formal response to the review.
[1] NBC News, May 2022 [2] The Washington Post, June 2022
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