Smithsonian’s Future at Stake as House Hearings Reveal Deep Political Divide

Smithsonian hearings expose a bitter political fight

Defenders of Hartig were equally outspoken. David Blight, a historian at Yale University, also testified, likening the White House attack on the Smithsonian to the Third Reich. He said, “Their model may certainly be Joseph Goebbels’ Committee for Enlightenment, which is what the Nazis called the committees that tried to control museums.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, began her remarks by saying, “Welcome to the White Pride Committee.” Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Maryland, has vowed to sacrifice his life for the Smithsonian Institution.

“We can’t let that museum be destroyed,” Mfume said. “No matter how long it takes, how many fights it takes, how much effort it takes, we will not allow it to happen unless you find a way to kill us all, walk over our bodies and change history.”

The following day’s hearing before the House Administration Committee was similar. The bipartisan agreement over the Smithsonian’s museums looked to be in tatters.

Visitors still find the Smithsonian’s exhibits awe-inspiring

On a recent Sunday, a group of visitors stepped into the museum’s centerpiece exhibit at the National Mall entrance: the giant American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

For safe storage, the flag is displayed in a very dark place, giving the room a sacred feel, like a cathedral crypt. “Oh my god, it’s so big,” one woman said. “I’m shaking,” said another. “That’s insane,” said a third.

Board vacancies could shape the Smithsonian’s future

Despite all its imperfections, the museum makes a strong impression on its many visitors every day. But its years-long search for identity has made it a target for governments looking for weaknesses. Now, the future of the museum and the Smithsonian Institution as a whole is at stake.

Three of the nine citizen seats on the board are vacant, and three more will become vacant next month. Who Vance and the rest of the board choose to fill these slots will help determine who replaces Bunch as executive director and the future direction of the institution.

Much will depend on how involved the board’s head, Chief Justice John Roberts, decides to become. Read more at The Washington Post.