Criticism of Smithsonian’s Focus on Slavery in Exhibits

Recent discussions have centered around the Smithsonian Institution’s portrayal of American history, with some claiming its exhibits emphasize slavery and racial issues excessively. This focus is seen by critics as a move towards rewriting history to highlight suffering, overshadowing other significant achievements.

One example is the Smithsonian’s new Benjamin Franklin exhibit, which includes a section suggesting slaves assisted Franklin with his electrical experiments—an assertion lacking concrete evidence. The exhibit claims that without enslaved labor, Franklin’s work would have been impossible, ignoring broader historical contexts.

Additionally, the National Portrait Gallery’s descriptions of foundational figures often highlight their connections to slavery. For instance, Thomas Jefferson’s biography mentions his enslaving of African Americans despite his earlier criticisms of slavery, reflecting an emphasis on the legacy of slavery in American history.

This trend has grown notably since 2019, when Lonnie G. Bunch III became Smithsonian secretary. Bunch previously directed the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which primarily emphasizes slavery and related themes. The Smithsonian also collaborated with the New York Times on the 1619 Project, which controversially places the arrival of the first slave ship as a foundational event, downplaying other moments in American history.

The Smithsonian’s efforts extend into digital initiatives, with plans for a “Searchable Museum” that initially focused on slavery and freedom, potentially biasing the viewer’s understanding of American history. Critics argue that the overall narrative has become skewed, portraying the nation as marked solely by its dark episodes, rather than celebrating its achievements, such as ending slavery.

History also includes complex narratives, such as Native American tribes that owned slaves before European contact, yet these stories are often omitted from exhibits. Overall, critics contend that museums should accurately reflect the past while also highlighting progress and accomplishments, rather than promoting a predominantly negative view of American history.

As new museums dedicated to Latino and women’s history are under development, there are concerns that without balanced perspectives, the trend of revisionist, woke storytelling may continue unchecked.