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Anthea Hartig, Smithsonian Museum Director, Faces the White House’s Wrath
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The White House released a critical report accusing the Smithsonian, particularly its National Museum of American History director Anthea M. Hartig, of promoting "radical activist ideology" and downplaying the role of the country's founders.
- The report claims Hartig's leadership has led the museum to undermine faith in American institutions and shared national ideals by focusing on social justice themes such as race, sexuality, and colonialism in its exhibitions.
- Hartig, who has directed the museum since 2019, has sought to present a more nuanced and inclusive history by highlighting the experiences of ordinary people alongside presidential accomplishments.
- Many historians, including Harvard's Erika Lee, support Hartig's approach, emphasizing the importance of presenting a full and complex record of American history amid current attacks on the historical profession.
- The report was released by the White House Domestic Policy Council on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, reflecting ongoing tensions over how American history is interpreted and presented.
