Letter to the Smithsonian: Internal Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions and Materials

8/12/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Review Initiative: Launch of a comprehensive internal review of select Smithsonian museums and exhibitions in accordance with Executive Order 14253.
Purpose & Alignment: Ensure that museum content, narratives, and public messaging reflect American unity, progress, and exceptionalism ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Nation’s founding; remove divisive or partisan narratives and restore confidence in cultural institutions.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Public-facing Content: Evaluation of exhibition texts, educational materials, digital media, and overall historical framing.
- Curatorial Process: Interviews and review of selection and approval workflows.
- Exhibition Planning & Collection Use: Analysis of current, upcoming exhibitions and utilization of materials to highlight American achievements.
- Narrative Standards: Development of consistent guidelines that uphold the Smithsonian’s original mission.
Museums to be Reviewed: Initially includes the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, with potential for additional reviews in Phase II.
Requested Materials:
- Exhibition plans and America 250 programming materials, including draft concepts and event outlines.
- Current exhibition content such as catalogs, digital files, wall didactics, and promotional literature.
- Internal guidelines, curatorial procedures, staff manuals, and governance documents.
- Additional materials including digital presence details, external partnerships, grant documents, and visitor feedback surveys.
Timeline:
- Within 30 Days: Submission of initial materials, designation of a primary contact, and commencement of on-site reviews.
- Within 75 Days: Submission of remaining documentation and initiation of interviews with curators and senior staff.
- Within 120 Days: Implementation of content corrections and final adjustments to align with the President’s directive, with a final report anticipated in early 2026.
Collaborative Approach: Emphasis on a supportive and constructive review process that respects the Smithsonian’s mission while fostering a revitalized curatorial vision for a unified American narrative.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order 14253, which mandates a review of Smithsonian exhibitions, could set a precedent for increased federal oversight of educational and cultural institutions. This may lead to concerns about academic freedom and the autonomy of such institutions, including universities like Vanderbilt.
There is a risk that the focus on celebrating American exceptionalism and removing divisive narratives could lead to a homogenized portrayal of history, potentially impacting the diversity of perspectives and critical discourse that are essential in academic settings.
The emphasis on aligning with American ideals might pressure institutions to conform to specific narratives, which could affect the content and direction of research and educational programs at Vanderbilt, particularly those related to American history and culture.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in national cultural narratives could influence its own programs and partnerships, especially those involving federal grants or collaborations with institutions like the Smithsonian.

Impacted Programs

Department of History at Vanderbilt may face increased scrutiny or pressure to align its research and teaching with the narratives promoted by the Executive Order, potentially affecting academic freedom and research directions.
Vanderbilt’s Cultural and Educational Partnerships with institutions like the Smithsonian could be impacted, necessitating a review of collaborative projects to ensure alignment with new federal guidelines.
The Office of Federal Relations might need to engage more actively with policymakers to advocate for the university’s interests and ensure that its programs are not adversely affected by changes in federal cultural policies.
Vanderbilt’s initiatives related to diversity and inclusion may need to be reassessed to ensure they are not perceived as divisive under the new federal directives.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal resources towards initiatives that align with the Executive Order could impact funding opportunities for Vanderbilt, particularly for programs that focus on diverse or critical perspectives of American history.
Vanderbilt University might need to adjust its grant application strategies to align with the new federal priorities, potentially affecting the funding landscape for research and educational programs.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for projects that emphasize American exceptionalism and unity, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and cultural institutions.
As national cultural narratives shift, there could be changes in the demographics and interests of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and program offerings.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s History and Cultural Studies Departments should consider engaging with the Smithsonian’s review process by offering expertise in American history and culture. This could involve providing scholarly input on exhibition content or participating in discussions about narrative standards and historical framing.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the outcomes of the Smithsonian’s internal review to identify potential shifts in federal funding priorities for cultural and educational institutions. Understanding these changes could help Vanderbilt align its own programs and initiatives with national priorities.
Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Program could explore research opportunities related to the impact of federal directives on cultural institutions. This research could provide valuable insights into how such policies affect public understanding and engagement with American history.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy might consider hosting forums or discussions on the implications of the executive order for cultural representation and historical narratives. These events could foster dialogue on the balance between national unity and diverse historical perspectives.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Libraries and Archives to collaborate with the Smithsonian on digitization projects. By sharing resources and expertise, both institutions can enhance access to historical materials and promote educational outreach.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on American exceptionalism by developing new educational programs that highlight the university’s contributions to American progress and innovation. This could include public lectures, exhibitions, and digital content that align with national celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary.
The emphasis on historically accurate and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs that enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, furthering its mission of equity and access.

Relevance Score: 3 (The executive order suggests some adjustments are needed to align Vanderbilt’s cultural and educational initiatives with national priorities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days: Museums must submit initial materials (current exhibitions, draft plans for upcoming shows, America 250 programming materials, and internal guidelines) and designate a point of contact, while the review team begins on-site observations.
Within 75 days: Museums are required to submit additional documentation (promotional literature, grant data, educational materials, etc.), schedule voluntary interviews, and finalize updated anniversary plans.
Within 120 days: Museums should start implementing content corrections by replacing divisive language with unifying, historically accurate descriptions and updating public-facing materials.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

National Museum of American History: This museum is one of the primary Smithsonian institutions targeted for an internal review to ensure its exhibitions align with the President’s directive.
National Museum of Natural History: Included in the review process, this museum’s public-facing content and curatorial processes will be evaluated.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: As a key venue celebrating the American story, its exhibitions will be examined for historical accuracy and unifying narratives.
National Museum of the American Indian: This museum is also subject to the review to ensure its presentation supports the President’s agenda of celebrating American exceptionalism.
National Air and Space Museum: Called upon to review and potentially adjust its exhibitions and public communications as part of the overall initiative.
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Its current and upcoming exhibits will be reviewed for content alignment with the directive.
National Portrait Gallery: Included in the list, this museum must submit relevant materials for an assessment of its historical display and messaging.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: As with the other Smithsonian venues, this institution will undergo a review of its exhibitions and how they frame American ideals.
White House Salute to America 250 Task Force: This task force is mentioned as a coordinating partner to ensure that the revised exhibition strategies align with the national commemoration efforts.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Represented by its Director as a signatory, OMB is implicated in overseeing the administrative and budgetary aspects related to the review process.
Domestic Policy Council: Its role as a signatory and policy directorate ties it closely to the implementation of the directive’s aims.
The White House: As the originator of the directive, The White House, through its senior staff and special assistants, is actively overseeing and directing this internal review.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directive impacts a broad array of government organizations, including eight Smithsonian museums and several White House agencies, totaling between 11 and 15 entities.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary, Smithsonian Institution (Lonnie G. Bunch III) – As the head of the Smithsonian Institution, he is charged with coordinating the review process, including the appointment of primary points of contact at each museum.
Designated Primary Points of Contact at Each Smithsonian Museum – These museum leaders (or their designated liaisons) are responsible for gathering and submitting the requested materials and coordinating with the White House review team.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives clearly require agency heads and their designated deputies to implement a significant review process at a national cultural institution.)