Smithsonian Museum’s Take on History Sparks Controversy
NEW YORK — A Smithsonian museum located in Manhattan is presenting a rather critical perspective of George Washington, the Revolutionary War, and the nation’s early days. However, certain historical details that might add nuance to this account seem to be either absent or underplayed.
This situation arises amid increased scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding how American history is being portrayed by the Smithsonian. President Trump has launched a review of the exhibits and educational content at the institution, citing a need to address what he describes as an excessively negative depiction of the country’s history.
During a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian in Manhattan in early September, it became apparent that the exhibits stress the devastation endured by Native communities. Yet, there seems to be a lack of context regarding the conflicts and events tied to American military actions.
One display in the “Native New York” section features an illustration of Washington’s profile — reminiscent of the image on quarters — with a label that declares him a “town destroyer.”
The caption that accompanies this illustration recounts how “American armies destroyed 40 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) towns and burned their harvests while residents fled.” Notably, it mentions that the Haudenosaunee still refer to Washington and all U.S. presidents as Hanadahguyus, which translates to ‘town destroyer.’
However, the exhibit fails to address the raids on American settlements that prompted such military campaigns or provide rationale for Washington’s orders. An excerpt from the National Park Service points out that the American devastation of the Six Nations’ lands stemmed from destructive raids conducted by Native groups and loyalists along the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania in 1778. These raids severely hampered the American Continental Army by depleting its resources and instilling fear through the destruction of settlements and the capture of prisoners.
This mishmash of narratives is unfolding as the Trump administration engages in ongoing disputes with the Smithsonian, specifically over the assertion that the institution is attempting to shift the narrative of American history away from its Founding Fathers and towards a depiction of a deeply flawed national origin story.
In the wake of ongoing tensions, the administration has hinted at potential changes to Smithsonian funding and support from federal agencies, demanding alterations to what it sees as divisive or historically inaccurate portrayals.
Notably, many other displays in the museum echo the critical tone regarding American settlers’ actions while somewhat downplaying the violence perpetrated by Native groups. A sign, recounting events between 1779 and 1804 from the perspective of a Native woman, states that “it was peaceful, she said, until the white men began their revolution.”
Looking back, the Iroquois had been engaged in a series of conflicts with other Native tribes over fur trade access for about a century, from 1609 to 1701. Even prior to the current dispute with the Trump administration, the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. faced criticism regarding its interpretation of American historical events.
A cultural commentator noted in 2010 that the museum, positioned as a pioneer in identity-focused exhibits, seems to disregard traditional academic frameworks to tell a story that some tribes describe as, for instance, “Birds teach people to call for rain.”
Exhibits do acknowledge a few conflicts among Native tribes, but the focus remains overwhelmingly on the violence inflicted upon them, fading into the background the events that precipitated such hostilities.
The museum also features a collection of online materials aimed at middle school students that largely follow a similar narrative theme. For instance, teachers are encouraged to show a video that asserts that “the American War for independence was such a disruptive and dangerous project,” casting the actions of colonial Americans in a negative light, referring to them as trespassers and squatters.
In various displays related to the Revolutionary War, American actions towards Native allies are presented in a starkly unfavorable light. One video display asserts that an American soldier killed Chief White Eyes, a Lenape chief who had allied with the Americans. Although the cause of Chief White Eyes’ death is contested in history, this nuance is relegated to smaller text beneath the display, suggesting he was “probably” murdered by an American soldier.
The museum is situated within the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a historic building previously used for trade duties and named to honor Hamilton as the first Treasury Secretary.
As visitors exit, they pass by a museum shop showcasing books with sharply critical takes on American history. Prominently displayed is the title “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States,” which critiques the American dedication to the Constitution, claims the nation was founded on white supremacy and genocide, and argues that the federal government continues to conduct ethnic cleansing against Native populations. A graphic novel adaptation aimed at younger readers is also featured.
Other titles available include “Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in US History,” and “An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States,” along with books addressing the “two spirit” gender identity and one sharing the story of Deb Haaland, the Interior Secretary under President Biden.
The Smithsonian has yet to provide a comment when approached for this information.
