Smithsonian Museum Director’s Past Remarks on History as a Social-Justice Tool Resurface Amid Congressional Testimony
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A video of National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig describing history as a "prime tool of social justice" has been highlighted after she testified to Congress that the Smithsonian remains nonpartisan.
A presentation recorded in February 2025 at the University of California, Los Angeles shows National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig describing the museum’s work as "equity-based, justice-forward" and calling history "a prime tool of social justice." The remarks contrast with her testimony before a congressional subcommittee in July, where she affirmed that the Smithsonian’s research is guided by standards of scholarship, accuracy, independence and nonpartisanship, and that the institution does not take sides in political debates.
During the UCLA talk, Hartig highlighted the museum’s effort to document the Black Lives Matter movement, noted a “bold new vision” to make the museum more inclusive and accessible, and discussed initiatives such as multilingual signage and collaborations with activist groups. She also referenced a land acknowledgement and images of protest signs from 2020.
The resurfaced comments have been cited by critics who argue the director’s statements reveal a partisan agenda, while the Smithsonian has not responded to requests for comment.