Smithsonian Battles White House Report Accusing Museum of Ideological Capture
This summer, the Smithsonian Institution has been navigating challenges regarding its portrayal of American history. In July, a White House report titled “Saving America’s Story” criticized the National Museum of American History for allegedly not fully honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary and sidelining foundational figures. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III responded by asserting that the report misrepresents the institution's efforts. This controversy underscores the broader struggle over historical narratives in the U.S., particularly amidst competing political ideologies and the institution's dedication to truthful scholarship and representation of the nation’s past.
Key facts
- The Smithsonian Institution has spent the summer defending its independence.
- A 162-page White House report was released in July.
- The report is titled “Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage”.
- The report accuses the museum of downplaying founding fathers and colonial periods.
- The report claims the museum is failing to sufficiently celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
- Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III sent a memo to staff in response.
- Bunch stated the report did not fairly represent the museum's work.
- The conflict began under the current administration more than a year ago.
Entities
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of American History
- White House
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States