Congressional Commission to Study Weitzman Museum Joining Smithsonian
A new congressional commission was established to evaluate the potential for the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to join the Smithsonian. Sworn in on Tuesday, the commission is chaired by Philip Darivoff and vice-chaired by Dara Horn, following legislation enacted during the Biden administration in 2024. With a two-year deadline to complete its study, Darivoff aims for an earlier conclusion. The Philadelphia-based museum, founded in 1976 and currently a Smithsonian affiliate, features exhibitions including "Colors of Creation" and "The First Salute." Darivoff and Horn believe inclusion would significantly enhance the recognition of Jewish history.
Key facts
- A congressional commission was sworn in on Tuesday to study the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History joining the Smithsonian.
- The commission is chaired by Philip Darivoff and vice-chaired by Dara Horn.
- The commission was established by legislation passed during the Biden administration in 2024.
- The commission has two years to complete its study, but Darivoff hopes to finish earlier.
- The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History was founded in 1976.
- The museum is currently a Smithsonian affiliate, allowing resource sharing with other museums.
- Current offerings include Colors of Creation, "The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution," and a core exhibition covering history from the 1600s.
- Darivoff and Horn said inclusion would send a powerful message about Jewish history and could help stem an "epidemic of ignorance."
Entities
Artists
- Philip Darivoff
- Dara Horn
- Kim Sajet
- Donald Trump
- Joe Biden
Institutions
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
- Smithsonian
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency
- National Portrait Gallery
- Biden administration
- Congress
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Brazil