I’ve spent 25 years at historic museums. Smithsonian should tell of America’s greatness

Smithsonian Faces Political Cross‑Talk as It Prepares for 250th‑Anniversary Celebrations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the United States marks its 250th anniversary of independence, the Smithsonian Institution is in the eye of a storm over how it tells the nation’s story. A recent White‑House review of the National Museum of American History has raised concerns that the museum’s narrative has become “ideological” and that it no longer reflects a shared national inheritance. In turn, Smithsonian officials and scholars are arguing that the museum’s mission is to present a balanced and scholarly view of America’s past, free from political influence.

A White‑House Review Sparks Debate

The review, released by the White‑House Office of Presidential Personnel, criticized the National Museum of American History’s exhibits for giving “prevalent attention to contemporary political viewpoints” that the reviewers described as “woke” or “social‑justice” framing. The report warned that such an approach could distort visitors’ understanding of American history and suggested that the museum’s leadership needed to “reorient the narrative toward a broader, more inclusive perspective.”

The review prompted a flurry of responses. The Smithsonian’s outgoing Secretary, Lonnie Bunch, defended the institution’s independence and said the museum’s mission is to “show both the light and the dark.” In a statement to the press, Bunch also described America as “an aspiration toward liberty, fairness, justice and equality.”

“It’s about telling the whole story, not just a part of it,” Bunch said. “We need to acknowledge both the achievements and the failures.”

Leadership Under Scrutiny

Bunch’s tenure has been marked by a push toward greater inclusivity. Critics argue that his initiatives, such as the “Social Justice” exhibit in the Hall of the United States and a series of displays on the Civil Rights Movement, have leaned too heavily into contemporary political themes. A group of historians and museum professionals, citing the review’s findings, called for a “leadership overhaul” to correct what they describe as a “self‑loathing” portrayal of history.

Opposition to that call came from the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, who praised Bunch for “upholding the Smithsonian’s independence from partisan influence.” The Justice’s comments were widely interpreted as support for the museum’s continued autonomy.

The Museum’s Role in a Changing Era

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is a network of museums and research centers that holds artifacts ranging from General George Washington’s uniform and Abraham Lincoln’s hat to the Wright brothers’ first flight and the Apollo 11 command module. These objects, the museum’s staff say, form a “shared cultural heritage” that transcends party politics.

“We’re entrusted with artifacts that belong to all of us,” said a senior curator at the National Museum of American History. “Our responsibility is to present them in a way that honors the truth of the past while also encouraging reflection.”

The debate has centered on the museum’s interpretive choices. Museums inevitably decide which objects to display, which stories to highlight, and what context to provide. While factual accuracy can be maintained, the cumulative effect of these choices can skew public perception.

“We’re not writing a new history,” the curator added. “We’re interpreting the existing record in a way that is honest, balanced, and respectful of all perspectives.”

Balancing Light and Dark

Bunch’s call to “show both the light and the dark” echoes a broader question about how American museums should balance achievements with shortcomings. Some argue that an overemphasis on failures can lead to cynicism, while others contend that ignoring those failures risks a sanitized, incomplete narrative.

“The goal is to give visitors the artifacts, scholarship, context and perspective necessary to understand what the country has given and what it owes,” a museum director told reporters. “We do not want to prescribe what visitors should think, but rather provide the information that allows them to form their own opinions.”

The Smithsonian’s current leadership is navigating these complex demands while preparing for the nation’s semi‑centennial celebrations. They face the challenge of maintaining scholarly integrity, meeting public expectations, and dealing with political pressures from all sides.

Looking Ahead

The institution’s future will likely depend on how it responds to the White‑House review and the broader cultural conversation about national identity. Whether it will broaden its narrative to include more perspectives, or retreat to a more traditional patriotic emphasis, remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Smithsonian’s stewardship of America’s past will continue to be a barometer for how the country reconciles its proud achievements with its enduring challenges.

As Washington celebrates 250 years of independence, the Smithsonian’s role as a custodian of the American story remains both vital and contentious—an institution at the crossroads of history, scholarship, and politics, tasked with telling the story that is still unfinished.