Source: Fox News
Summary
National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig has come under scrutiny after a resurfaced video showed her calling “history as a practice” a “prime tool of social justice.” Hartig had previously defended the Smithsonian’s record of objectivity and nonpartisanship during congressional hearings. However, in the video, she described the museum’s approach as “equity-based, justice-forward, community-driven, and necessarily humble.” Hartig also highlighted the museum’s efforts to document and preserve the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and its collaboration with an anti-ICE organization.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Anthea Hartig’s presentation to UCLA students showed a picture of an American flag defaced with words that appeared to read “Defund the Police.” She began her talk with a land acknowledgement and highlighted the museum’s “bold new vision” to become the “most accessible, inclusive, relevant, and sustainable public history institution in the country.” Hartig also praised an anti-ICE organization called “Tsuru for Solidarity” as a “truly remarkable group.” The museum’s efforts to document and preserve the history of the Black Lives Matter movement were also highlighted. The presentation was notable for its emphasis on social justice and the museum’s role in promoting it. The fact that Hartig’s presentation was resurfaced after she defended the Smithsonian’s objectivity and nonpartisanship during congressional hearings raises questions about the museum’s approach to history.
Author: Evan Null
