Stand with museums

The time is now. And we all need to stand with our museums.

The U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council stands with the free & independent voices of our nation’s museums, cultural institutions, and arts organizations—from main street historical societies, natural history collections - and art galleries large and small -- to science centers and the Smithsonian. Collectively these institutions are essential platforms for creativity, critical reflection, inclusive storytelling, and public learning

As a former Washingtonian, the Smithsonian was never to be taken for granted - but to be revered as a center of learning - in all of their capacities (brick and mortar & virtual & in-classrooms around the globe) and it's accessible and open museum culture shaped my life in so many ways - from informing to exploring - and of course entertaining along the way.

Smithsonian Museum, Washington, DC

Right now, the Smithsonian is under unprecedented pressure. The administration has ordered a vast internal review of eight major Smithsonian museums—spanning the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the American Art Museum, the Hirshhorn, and others—seeking to root out so-called “divisive or partisan narratives” and promote “American exceptionalism.” This move has triggered widespread alarm among educators, museum professionals, historians, docents and cultural community ambassadors like USCHMC - who warn of the threatened impact to academic independence and free expression.(See PoliticoAP NewsPeople.com)

Teachers, professors and educators of all backgrounds nationwide—who rely on Smithsonian-produced educational materials and research to enrich their classrooms— and connect students of all ages, realize fully that these changes could lead to sanitized history, erasing critical accounts of not exclusive to racism, slavery, and systemic inequity.(See AP NewsSpectrum News 1)

With support of museums around the country, the position of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has affirmed the institution’s independence in thought and curation. He is underscoring in these efforts that the Smithsonian’s programming remains governed by scholarly rigor, transparency, and non-partisanship. (See The Washington PostArt NewspaperABC News)

With these developments in motion, they threaten more than just exhibits—they strike at public trust in cultural institutions and the fundamental right to access truthful, unfiltered history. This is not just a local or national matter - it has global impact.

As advocates for heritage and history, the creativity economy, and civic learning, we must champion the autonomy of these institutions. Period. Full Stop. The work of curation, interpretation, and storytelling belongs to educators, scientists, historians, and artists.

Now more than ever, we must affirm the crucial role of museums, arts districts, heritage corridors, and galleries as guardians of free thinking, inclusive education, and personal discovery.

Stand with museums. Stand with truth. Stand with democracy.

#CulturalLeadership #MuseumsMatter #FreeExpression #HeritageDefense #USCHMC