White House Review of Smithsonian May Impact History Education
The White House has initiated a review of the Smithsonian Institution’s educational content, a move that could significantly alter how history is taught in classrooms across the United States. This action appears to align with President Donald Trump’s vision of American history, promoting a narrative that emphasizes “American exceptionalism” while aiming to eliminate what the administration deems “divisive or partisan narratives.”
High school history teacher Katharina Matro from Bethesda, Maryland, often relies on materials from the Smithsonian to create her lesson plans. She values the institution’s resources for their credibility and the ease with which they can be integrated into classroom discussions on sensitive topics such as genocide and slavery. “We don’t want a partisan history,” Matro stated. “We want the history that’s produced by real historians.”
The White House’s review, outlined in a letter to the Smithsonian last month, aims to assess the “tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals” of its public-facing content. This scrutiny coincides with the forthcoming celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, during which the Education Department has launched the White House’s Founders Museum in collaboration with PragerU, a conservative nonprofit organization.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the project’s focus on patriotic education, stating, “Real patriotic education means that just as our founders loved and honored America, so we should honor them.” While the museum includes biographies of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and highlights figures like Phillis Wheatley, critics argue that it glosses over the more complex and often painful aspects of American history.
Concerns about the implications of this review are echoed by Tina Ellsworth, president of the National Council for the Social Studies. She noted that educators are apprehensive about potential biases in the resources they use. “Those are the kinds of things that teachers are really leery of because they don’t see partisanship in the sources that we’re using as being good educational practice,” she said.
A survey conducted by the American Historical Association revealed that over 80% of history teachers utilize free resources from federal institutions like the Smithsonian. These materials are often preferred due to their rigorous vetting process and reliability. Brendan Gillis, the association’s director of teaching and learning, highlighted the significant role these resources play in filling gaps left by outdated textbooks.
The Smithsonian has long been engaged in developing educational materials for classrooms, particularly since World War II. The institution organizes professional development workshops for educators and provides a range of resources, from worksheets to video content. Russell Jeung, a professor at San Francisco State University, participated in a Smithsonian video series aimed at educating students on racism and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed concern that the White House’s review might undermine such initiatives.
Despite the political landscape affecting educational resources, many educators remain committed to contextualizing historical events. Michael Heiman, a veteran social studies teacher in Juneau, Alaska, worries that any changes to the Smithsonian’s content could alienate students of color, including Native American children. “We are further quieting voices that are important to our country,” he noted, emphasizing the potential impact on students’ engagement with history.
In a recent discussion, Sam Redman, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, reflected on past collaborations between his students and the Smithsonian. He noted that his students often expressed aspirations to work in federal institutions or at the Smithsonian, a trend he has not seen this year. “This is a pressing concern, no doubt about it,” Redman said.
As the White House continues its review, the long-term effects on educational practices and historical narratives may become clearer. Educators across the nation maintain their dedication to navigating the complexities of teaching history, regardless of external pressures. Their commitment to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the past will remain crucial in shaping future generations’ perspectives.
