The National Museum of American History has come under fire for its alleged shift from an educational institution to a platform for activism, according to a historian and museum professional.
The critic, Dr. Jody Edward Ginn, made the claims after visiting the museum for the first time in over a decade, following criticism from the Trump administration and conservatives over its presentation of American history.
"It's a completely different place than when I was there in 2012," Dr. Ginn stated. "Its mission is clearly exactly what they changed it to be. It is a museum for activism. They use history, but that's kind of the problem."
Dr. Ginn's comments come after the administration's Domestic Policy Council report accused the Smithsonian and the NMAH of failing to present history in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of the republic.
He visited the museum amid concerns over its exhibits, which he claims are designed to "specifically direct" visitors to action rather than provide them with information to make their own decisions.
"The biggest problem is in what they leave out," Dr. Ginn argued. "Factually incorrect information is just as misleading."
Lawmakers also raised similar concerns during a House hearing last month, pressing the Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director about the museum's exhibits, including one featuring a bondage harness.
Dr. Ginn criticized the director for maintaining that the museum has not taken a side, adding its revised mission statement "changed the purpose of that museum."
He expressed his disappointment with the museum's transformation, stating it is "very disappointing" and does not represent a scholarly presentation.
Dr. Ginn also expressed his concerns about the museum's mission statement, which he believes is no longer focused on education and scholarly information.
He called for a "massive effort" to replace current staff with people who prioritize history over politics.
"You're going to have to put in new people who are committed to scholarly standards and non-politicized educational programming," Dr. Ginn said.
