How America’s Museum Turned Against Our Own History

Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Testifies on Training Materials and Institutional Approach

A visitor’s earliest memory of a museum centers on the Nebraska State Capitol in winter during elementary school. Students arrived by bus and entered the building, where a guide led them through gallery chambers described as a living museum. The guide explained aspects of state history and legislative processes illustrated by paintings and objects. Near the exit, the group viewed the mural “The Blizzard of 1888” by Jeanne Reynal on the domed ceiling. The mural depicts schoolteacher Minnie Freeman leading students through severe weather, with figures rendered in gold tile against a dark background. Publications on the Capitol’s art describe the works as conveying Nebraska’s history, governance, daily life, and creative output, noting that they connect viewers to shared origins and future directions.

On Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Institution, which operates 21 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo, has drawn congressional attention to certain training materials and exhibits. During a hearing, Republican Rep. Brandon Gill questioned Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History since 2019, about the MASS Action Toolkit. Gill asked whether politeness is important. Hartig replied affirmatively. Gill then referenced the toolkit, which the museum has promoted, and noted its description of politeness as a characteristic associated with white supremacy culture in some training contexts. He asked whether Hartig considered herself a white supremacist. Hartig responded in the negative while marking a passage on a document.

The MASS Action Toolkit was developed externally as training material for museums participating in workshops focused on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion practices. Several current and former Smithsonian staff members contributed to it. A 2022 Excellence in DEAI Report co-authored by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch cited the toolkit as a resource for staff training. The report discussed shifting institutional practices away from certain characteristics, including perfectionism, risk aversion, and conflict avoidance, in order to support action on equity goals.

In 2020, the National Museum of African American History and Culture posted a chart titled “Aspects and Assumptions of Whiteness in the United States” on its “Talking About Race” portal. The chart listed items such as the nuclear family structure, objective and rational linear thinking, hard work, timeliness, and future planning. The museum stated at the time that the portal aimed to support conversations about racism. Following public response, the museum issued a statement acknowledging that it had erred in including the chart, removed the material from its website, and expressed appreciation for feedback that helped refine its content. The museum described education as central to its mission.

Hartig has described history as a tool that can connect scholarship to social justice efforts and has spoken about reframing traditional narratives of U.S. history in museum presentations. She has also referenced personal background in discussions of institutional perspective. A July 2025 report issued by the White House Domestic Policy Council titled “Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage” summarized statements attributed to Hartig, including comments on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the need to address an Anglo-centric emphasis in collections. The report presented these remarks as evidence of a shift toward activism. The Smithsonian has not issued a detailed public response to the specific quotations in that report.

Exhibits and planning documents at several Smithsonian museums have referenced themes of colonization, identity, and social movements. A temporary exhibition linked to the planned National Museum of the American Latino included sections addressing white colonization and racism. Planning materials for the future American Women’s History Museum have included discussion of transgender individuals. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has displayed items related to activist Angela Davis. These choices have been noted by observers, including editors at National Review, as reflecting an emphasis on identity-related topics.

The Smithsonian’s founding legislation from 1846 states its mission as the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The institution receives approximately 16.5 million student visitors annually. Its museums hold collections that document American history, science, and culture through artifacts and interpretive displays. Critics of recent programming argue that some materials prioritize contemporary social frameworks over chronological or object-centered presentation. Supporters of the programming describe it as an effort to broaden interpretive approaches and address previously underrepresented perspectives.

During the hearing exchange, Hartig confirmed she did not endorse the characterization of politeness as an element of white supremacy culture in the manner suggested by the question. The museum has maintained that its training resources are intended to support professional development rather than to define individual staff members. The removed 2020 chart remains unavailable on the museum’s site, and the institution has continued to host public programs on American history topics.

The National Museum of American History maintains collections that include founding-era documents, technological artifacts, and cultural objects spanning multiple periods. Planning for future exhibitions continues under the museum’s statutory mandate to preserve and present the nation’s material record. Congressional oversight of federally supported institutions includes review of educational materials and public programming. The Smithsonian has stated that its work remains grounded in research and scholarship while incorporating evolving interpretive methods.

Lois Lowry’s novel “Messenger” includes the line that a museum exists to remind people of origins and the lessons carried forward when beginning anew. The Smithsonian’s stated purpose aligns with preservation of physical evidence of historical events for public access and study.