Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Museum Director Defends Patriotic Inspiration Over Instruction
The director of the National Museum of American History, Anthea Hartig, testified before a House subcommittee.
She said the museum is most powerful when it inspires patriotism naturally, without instruction.
She emphasized the importance of including diverse voices and stories in the museum's exhibits.
President Trump has criticized the museum and other cultural institutions, aiming to remove what he calls anti-American ideology.
Hartig defended the museum's approach, saying it aims to reflect the country's diverse history and include all Americans in the national story.
The Smithsonian Institution, which includes the museum, is a large complex with 21 museums and galleries.
Anthea Hartig, Director of the National Museum of American History, testified that patriotism is best inspired, not instructed.
The museum aims to reflect diverse voices by adding stories of communities previously left untold.
President Trump has targeted U.S. cultural and historical institutions, aiming to remove anti-American ideology.
Trump's actions have led to the dismantling of slavery exhibits and the restoration of Confederate statues.
Hartig reiterated that the White House report did not fairly characterize the museum's work.
The Smithsonian Institution is a 180-year-old complex with 21 museums and galleries.
Hartig emphasized that reframing traditional narratives means adding evidence and voices left out in earlier tellings.
The museum's approach aims to include more Americans in the national story.
- Who
- Anthea Hartig, Director of the National Museum of American History, and the Trump Administration
- What
- A debate over the role and content of historical museums in the United States
- When
- July 21
- Where
- Washington, D.C.
- Why
- To discuss the direction and content of historical narratives presented in museums, with differing views on patriotism and historical representation
Museum Perspective
Trump Administration
Role of Museums
Museum Perspective
Museums should inspire patriotism through diverse and inclusive narratives, reflecting the country's history and all its communities.
Trump Administration
Museums should promote a patriotic narrative that aligns with a traditional, pro-American ideology, removing what is deemed as anti-American content.
Historical Representation
Museum Perspective
Reframing traditional narratives means adding voices and objects that were previously left out to include more Americans in the national story.
Trump Administration
Historical representation should focus on removing exhibits that are seen as anti-American and restoring elements that align with a traditional patriotic view.
- Museum Director
- Anthea Hartig
- Museum Name
- National Museum of American History
- Date of Testimony
- July 21
- President Criticized
- Donald Trump
- Smithsonian Institution Age
- 180 years
- Number of Museums and Galleries
- 21
- White House Report Date
- July 4