The Smithsonian is one of the most trusted sources for educators, with more than 80% of U.S. history teachers reporting that they rely on free online resources from federal museums and archives.
But officials in the current administration are politicizing the Smithsonian and other trusted national institutions like the National Park Service, threatening their integrity.
On July 4, 2026, the administration issued the “Saving America’s Story” report alleging that the Smithsonian Museum of American History “erases our heritage.” The report contends that the museum has “adopted an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”
This follows a 2025 executive order claiming that the Smithsonian has “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” and is directing a review of exhibits.
The Smithsonian was established in 1846 as a unique and independent agency that is not governed by the executive branch. The Organization of American Historians asks us to consider:
The question this report forces us to confront is simple: who has the authority to determine how American history is told? The President, or the historians, archivists, educators, curators, and museum professionals whose training and evidence-based methods have always governed that work? The answer, as a matter of law and professional practice, has never been the former.
In 2025, we co-hosted a Teach Truth rally in defense of the Smithsonian museums, marching on the National Mall with a brass band from the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the National Museum of the American Indian and making stops at the National Museum of American History, Hirshhorn, and Air and Space Museum along the way. Speakers included associate executive director of the American Library Association Lisa Varga and NEA president Becky Pringle.
Join us as we support the Smithsonian against these ideological attacks.
Smithsonian Under Attack
The Smithsonian is one of the most trusted sources for educators, with more than 80% of U.S. history teachers reporting that they rely on free online resources from federal museums and archives.
But officials in the current administration are politicizing the Smithsonian and other trusted national institutions like the National Park Service, threatening their integrity.
On July 4, 2026, the administration issued the “Saving America’s Story” report alleging that the Smithsonian Museum of American History “erases our heritage.” The report contends that the museum has “adopted an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”
This follows a 2025 executive order claiming that the Smithsonian has “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” and is directing a review of exhibits.
The Smithsonian was established in 1846 as a unique and independent agency that is not governed by the executive branch. The Organization of American Historians asks us to consider:
The question this report forces us to confront is simple: who has the authority to determine how American history is told? The President, or the historians, archivists, educators, curators, and museum professionals whose training and evidence-based methods have always governed that work? The answer, as a matter of law and professional practice, has never been the former.
Teaching for Change is proud of our long-standing partnerships with Smithsonian museums, including the National Portrait Gallery (day of action and labor art tour), National Museum of the American Indian (annual teach-ins), National Museum of African American History and Culture (workshops and panel discussions), Anacostia Museum, and American Art Museum.
In 2025, we co-hosted a Teach Truth rally in defense of the Smithsonian museums, marching on the National Mall with a brass band from the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the National Museum of the American Indian and making stops at the National Museum of American History, Hirshhorn, and Air and Space Museum along the way. Speakers included associate executive director of the American Library Association Lisa Varga and NEA president Becky Pringle.
Join us as we support the Smithsonian against these ideological attacks.
Posted: July 1, 2026