Smithsonian at 250: A Debate on How to Tell America's Story

The Smithsonian Institution, often described as the nation's attic, is at the center of a debate regarding how it should present American history, particularly as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. This discussion comes amidst a transition in leadership and following a White House review that criticized the National Museum of American History for allegedly prioritizing ideological concerns over a shared national inheritance.

Historians and Smithsonian leaders have defended the institution's scholarly independence, cautioning against governmental influence on historical storytelling. The core of the debate lies in finding a balance between acknowledging the nation's shortcomings and celebrating its achievements. Outgoing Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has stated that the institution must present both the "light and the dark" of America, viewing the nation as an aspiration towards liberty, fairness, justice, and equality.

Those involved in museum governance emphasize that historical integrity requires not just factual accuracy but also proportion, context, and perspective. The argument is that while America's failings and contradictions, such as deviations from its founding principles, should be honestly documented, they should not become the sole framework through which the American experience is understood.

Instead, the narrative presented should reflect the extraordinary nature of the American story, including its founding ideals of self-governance, individual liberty, and the rule of law, which have had a profound global impact. The nation's history is marked by significant achievements, including surviving a civil war, expanding freedom, welcoming immigrants, becoming an industrial and scientific power, defeating fascism and communism, and achieving space exploration milestones. The idea that succeeding generations have repeatedly invoked founding principles to demand national improvement is also seen as a crucial part of this narrative.

Critics contend that some exhibits may lean too heavily on negative aspects or present history through contemporary political lenses, potentially leading to a cynical view of the country rather than a critical yet appreciative understanding. Museums make inherent choices about which objects and stories to highlight, and the cumulative presentation can shape visitor perception.

The Smithsonian holds iconic artifacts such as George Washington's uniform, Abraham Lincoln's hat, and the Star-Spangled Banner, which collectively tell a story of aspiration, struggle, achievement, and progress. This heritage, preserved in trust for future generations, is particularly relevant during the upcoming semiquincentennial.

The author argues that the anniversary should prompt reflection on America's past, but not devolve into national self-reproach or a focus solely on shortcomings. Instead, it should be an occasion to celebrate the nation's achievements, allowing visitors to leave with a fuller understanding of its history, including its challenges and triumphs, and a sense of pride in their inheritance. Pride, when grounded in truth, can be a product of historical understanding.

Ultimately, the call is for the Smithsonian to provide the artifacts, scholarship, context, and perspective necessary for Americans to understand their inheritance, telling both the difficult and the triumphant stories, and trusting the public with both. The aim is to ensure that the ongoing American story remains one worth celebrating.