Historian Critiques Smithsonian's Shift Toward Activism

WHO:

NY Post - Historian Dr. Jody Edward Ginn criticized the Smithsonian.

Fox News - Dr. Jody Edward Ginn visited the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

WHAT:

Fox News - Anthea Hartig defended the Smithsonian’s record of objectivity and nonpartisanship during congressional hearings, stating, "Our work is governed by the Smithsonian standards of scholarship, accuracy, independence and nonpartisanship."

Fox News - Hartig described the museum's "bold new vision" to become the "most accessible, inclusive, relevant, and sustainable public history institution in the country."

Fox News - Hartig highlighted the museum's collaborative effort around Black Lives Matter to document and preserve objects related to the movement starting in 2012.

Fox News - Hartig stated that since the fall of 2019, "all exhibitions and signage and digital projects will be at least bilingual in English and Spanish and a number of them in more languages depending on the project and communities of origin."

Fox News - Anthea Hartig, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, stated that "history as a practice … is for me a prime tool of social justice" during a presentation at UCLA.

Fox News - Hartig described the museum’s "bold new vision" to become the "most accessible, inclusive, relevant, and sustainable public history institution in the country."

Fox News - Hartig mentioned that the museum has joined a collaborative Smithsonian-wide collecting effort around Black Lives Matter to document and preserve objects related to the movement starting in 2012.

Fox News - Hartig asserted that since the fall of 2019, "all exhibitions and signage and digital projects will be at least bilingual in English and Spanish and a number of them in more languages depending on the project and communities of origin."

NY Post - Dr. Ginn accused the Smithsonian of abandoning its educational mission for political activism.

Fox News - Dr. Ginn stated that the museum has become a "completely different place" since his last visit.

WHERE:

NY Post - The Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

WHEN:

Fox News - Dr. Ginn visited the museum for the first time since 2012.

WHY:

Fox News - Hartig emphasized the need for a "proactive multilingual strategy to support language justice," stating that everyone has the right to communicate in their preferred language.

NY Post - Dr. Ginn's critique is based on his perception that the museum has shifted focus from education to activism.

HOW:

Fox News - Hartig began her talk with a land acknowledgement and included images from protests, including a defaced American flag and a protest sign, to illustrate her points.

Fox News - Dr. Ginn's assessment was made after a personal visit to the museum.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 13:37 UTC)

Anthea Hartig defended the Smithsonian’s commitment to objectivity and nonpartisanship during congressional hearings, emphasizing that their work adheres to high standards of scholarship and accuracy. She also unveiled a "bold new vision" for the museum, aiming to be the most accessible, inclusive, relevant, and sustainable public history institution in the country, while highlighting their efforts to document and preserve objects related to the Black Lives Matter movement since 2012. Hartig noted that starting in the fall of 2019, all exhibitions, signage, and digital projects will be at least bilingual in English and Spanish, with many available in additional languages, reflecting the diverse communities they serve.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 11:22 UTC)

Anthea Hartig, the Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, highlighted the museum's commitment to social justice during a presentation at UCLA, stating that "history as a practice … is for me a prime tool of social justice." She unveiled a "bold new vision" for the museum to become the most accessible, inclusive, relevant, and sustainable public history institution in the country, while also announcing a collaborative effort to document and preserve objects related to the Black Lives Matter movement starting in 2012. Hartig emphasized the importance of a proactive multilingual strategy to support language justice, ensuring that all exhibitions and digital projects will be at least bilingual in English and Spanish, with many available in additional languages depending on the communities involved.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 05:11 UTC)

Historian Dr. Jody Edward Ginn has criticized the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, claiming it has strayed from its educational mission and embraced political activism. During his first visit since 2012, Dr. Ginn described the museum as a "completely different place" compared to his last experience. His critique stems from his perception that the focus has shifted away from education and toward activism.