Smithsonian history museum chief rejects White House criticism of its leaders as radical activists
Hartig said the museum does not take sides and is adding voices to the national story as lawmakers press for changes.
- On Tuesday, Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, testified before Congress defending the institution against White House accusations of "extreme political activism" and ideological bias.
- The White House's July 4 report, "Saving America's Story," alleges the museum promotes "anti-white activism" and "illegal alien activism," purposely presenting America as defined by systemic injustice.
- Committee members grilled Hartig over the "MASS Action Toolkit" and "Girlhood " exhibition during the hearing. Hartig countered that the museum remains governed by "standards of scholarship, accuracy, independence and nonpartisanship."
- Representative Melanie Stansbury introduced the Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act, arguing that targeting individual leaders by name is a "political witch hunt" threatening institutional independence.
- The hearing reflects broader political messaging wars as the administration seeks to reshape cultural institutions. Scholars emphasize the museum documents the "full and rich story of America" through historical evidence and competing perspectives.
137 Articles
137 Articles
NPR Paints Republican Critiques of Smithsonian Museum Wokeness as Buffoonish
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Mute point: Smithsonian director stumped by simple hearing questions
Anthea Hartig can’t figure out how to push a microphone button during a congressional hearing, how to define a woman, or whether history should be used for activism. But the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History insists that her love for the United States is “unconditional.” Except that Hartig equivocates on that one, too. Several times she pledged her love for America during two hearings by congressional committees o…
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