Revision of White House on Smithsonian Institute may alter historical education in the United States: potential consequences at hand

The Smithsonian Institution, a central provider of free educational resources for schools across the country for over a century, is facing a significant review. The White House has ordered a comprehensive examination of the Smithsonian's public content, with the stated goal of adjusting the tone, historical framework, and alignment with "American ideals".

This review comes at a time when history education in the United States is already fraught with political disputes at the state level. Critics warn that this type of initiative could soften the darker episodes of history and offer an incomplete version that hinders critical understanding of the past.

Historians like Brendan Gillis argue that the materials from the Smithsonian represent one of the most influential investments by the federal government in civic education. Teachers like Michael Heiman in Alaska used to utilise virtual tours of the Smithsonian to help their students, many of whom are descendants of Native American tribes, identify objects related to their history. If the material from the Smithsonian changes or disappears, teachers could face a double burden: creating resources from scratch or relying on less reliable materials on the internet.

The debate reflects a larger struggle over the role of history in national identity. It coincides with the creation of the Founders Museum, inaugurated this year by the Department of Education and PragerU. Critics argue that this type of initiative downplays the darker episodes of history and offers an incomplete version that hinders critical understanding of the past.

However, the National Council for the Social Studies insists that teachers will continue seeking strategies to offer students a plural and critical vision. In a country where history education is already fraught with state political disputes, the Smithsonian review could become a new cultural battleground.

Established in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was founded based on a bequest received by the U.S. government in 1836 and founded by an act of Congress in 1846. It has been a trusted source of educational resources for decades, helping teachers like Michael Heiman in Alaska to provide their students with a rich understanding of their history. As the review progresses, it remains to be seen how this institution will continue to shape the future of history education in the United States.

Revision of White House on Smithsonian Institute may alter historical education in the United States: potential consequences at hand