Smithsonian Institution’s Post

One of the core concepts of American democracy is the recognition of multiple points of view—often in contrast with one another. But transcending our differences and finding common ground isn’t easy work. That’s why I admire Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch for modeling this approach in his latest interview with Smithsonian magazine: "The goal here is never, ever to create a sense of self-censorship in the Smithsonian, but the goal is to recognize that the Smithsonian has to educate a whole lot of people, some who believe exactly in the interpretations you do, others who are diametrically opposed, and you’ve got to be able to serve both." Like the Smithsonian, Pew aspires to serve all Americans. We listen to different perspectives, follow data and evidence, and look for common ground to support a healthy democracy. As America’s 250th birthday approaches and we reflect on our history, values, and future as a nation, this inspiring interview is a must read. https://lnkd.in/e4FkABVa

ALERT ALERT! 📢 We have SUCH exciting news to share with YOU! In the fading years of the Gilded Age, Louisville emerged as an important center of Kentucky history, thanks to the efforts of the Filson Club (now the Filson Historical Society). Founded in 1884, the Filson Club fostered discussions and launched public history initiatives that can seem strikingly modern today. Dubbed “Benefactors of Posterity” by one founder, the Filson was often in the vanguard of collection and commemoration, rivaling more established historical societies in the East. Its output was also deeply mired in systemic racism and Jim Crow culture, and members actively worked to distort and erase the history of African Americans and Native Nations. Written during the organization’s 140th anniversary, historian Daniel Gifford recreates a 360-degree view of the Filson’s founding era. Benefactors of Posterity revises our understanding of key moments in Louisville and Kentucky history, including Enid Yandell’s Daniel Boone statue; the Southern Exposition; Louisville’s public parks; and the Ku Klux Klan. It is an explicit and intentional reckoning with the Filson Historical Society’s past, one that reverberates with the challenges facing our communities in the 21st century. Purchase YOUR copy today from Butler Books: https://lnkd.in/gxkdqjpD More information and other purchasing options forthcoming!!

Don't forget to register for the next Bloomsbury Lecture Series on June 13th by Professor Ana Lucia Araujo - historian and Professor of History at the historically black Howard University in Washington DC, United States. Titled 'Slavery, Memory, and Reparations after George Floyd and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic,' this lecture will revisit the long period that kept the past associated with Atlantic slavery invisible in the public space of the United States. Highlighting the rise of the public memory of slavery in the past thirty years, especially during the Obama Era, Araujo will also address the main transformations that led to the fall of pro-slavery monuments and the rise of a new wave of demands of financial and symbolic reparations for slavery in the summer 2020. Considering the protests that followed the assassination of George Floyd in the summer 2020, during the COVID-19 global pandemic as a turning point, this lecture seeks to address this period of change in order to understand where we are four years after these events. Register for free today https://lnkd.in/ews6FkM5

Who knew history could be so… revealing?😉 Dive into the archives, treasure these voices, and read the speeches that shaped us. You might be surprised by what you find. 📜✨ On November 15, 1777—247 years ago—the Continental Congress, meeting in York, PA, agreed on the Articles of Confederation, America’s first framework for government. This monumental decision often brings to mind national icons like Adams, Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson. But there’s a hidden story, grounded right in York County—a story that Dr. Charles Glatfelter, a local historian, sought to preserve. Almost 25 years ago, Glatfelter gave one of his most unique speeches, “The Articles of Confederation in the Scheme of Things.” At 1,000 words and 10 minutes, it was a rare glimpse into York County’s crucial role in this founding moment. York’s history isn’t just a footnote; it’s profound. While the national narrative is splendid, York County’s local contributions are what give it depth. Glatfelter’s speech didn’t just highlight famous figures; it honored seven local leaders who supported and shaped the Articles. These commemorative speeches, though often overlooked in history’s “flyover” chapters, are essential in keeping our local and national stories alive. They remind us who we are and what we’ve stood for. In a world where speeches are sometimes archived and seldom celebrated, Glatfelter’s words still echo. They reveal York County’s identity, bridging our past with our present and showing that democracy’s roots are nurtured by communities everywhere. As Glatfelter would remind us, this story isn’t just York’s—it’s (y)our story. https://lnkd.in/e3ZjiaqM #ArticlesOfConfederation #YorkPA #AmericanHistory #LocalHistory #CharlesGlatfelter #Archives

There's power inherent in crafting communities in your own likeness. In this episode, Melony and Derek begin by briefly comparing images and stories from the concurrent narratives of the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Migration. From there, guest Jay Cephas, an historian of architecture, landscapes, and cities, shares his insights and research on the overlooked - and suppressed - contributions of Black architects and builders throughout American history. Jay walks us through an expansive and rich history, from the days of enslavement through Reconstruction and into the early 20th century. He highlights the significant impact generations of Black tradespeople had on shaping urban environments and building communities, despite facing systemic barriers and exclusions. Additionally, Jay introduces the Black Architects Archive, an interactive repository documenting the work of Black architects, builders, and contractors in North America. In short, we have an enlightening and inspiring conversation showcasing how Black Americans built schools, churches, and other vital structures with limited resources, and left an enduring impact on the American landscape.

From the archives at the Smithsonian Magazine (2021). I wonder where President Biden fits in this? “How can historians wring order from the chaos? It helps to start with a list. Since 2000, at the end of each administration, C-SPAN has asked a group of presidential scholars to rank each U.S. president on a scale of 1 (least effective) to 10 (most effective) in ten areas: public persuasion, crisis leadership, economic management, moral authority, international relations, administrative skills, relations with Congress, vision/setting an agenda, pursuit of equal justice for all and performance within the context of the times.” #bestpresidents #worsepresidents #CSPAN #presidentialranking

It is so important to learn the full story. History is often taught in snippets. And, well, I think this is an important “snippet” that warrants a greater and deeper understanding. Looking forward to reading Sparrow’s book.

I am trying to figure out how to normalize talking about difficult history. This article by Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, gets to the heart of why we need to talk about it. It's a long article worth reading, but if you don't have time, here's the key paragraph: "That is the power and promise of an honest telling of history. It allows us to look at our past in a richer and more meaningful way. It can bring people together to understand the human impact of crucial moments in time. And it enables us to gain a better perspective on our present by contextualizing where we have been and how we got where we are today. In so doing, we learn how to build a better future." https://lnkd.in/gPM9hVeX

Want to learn more about the MacArthur Fellows? Check out "Fellows in Focus," a collection of rich stories and salient insights. Our new yearlong series includes Spotlight, Conversation, and Roundtable content—sparking hope and inspiration in all of us to further a just, verdant, and peaceful world. Take a look👇 #MacFellow https://lnkd.in/gbREHVjM

#Juneteenth, a monumental day in American history and a reminder of the journey towards social justice, as well as equal opportunity. Learn more about the history of Juneteenth, here: Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth)