|
|
|
| |
Letter to Smithsonian Board of Regents |
||
| Relevant Links:
7 June 2001 OAH Press Release |
7 June 2001
Board of Regents
Dear Members of the Board: The Organization of American Historians (OAH), the largest professional association of scholars and teachers of the American past, is concerned about recent developments at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History (NMAH). Internal and external reports about the role of private donors (particularly, Kenneth E. Behring and Catherine B. Reynolds) in the shaping of exhibits at this premier public institution are troubling. Museum staff, historians working with the NMAH, and media reports suggest that the Smithsonian may be taking steps that will erode its legislative mandate, its high professional standards, and ultimately the public trust. We therefore reassert the History Exhibit Standards that OAH adopted in April 2000, which directly address the issues in the Smithsonian controversy. These standards have also been adopted by other major historical organizations. They highlight the crucial role of professional historians and other expert museum staff in warranting the historical and intellectual integrity of material presented in exhibits. Although it is important to identify and include stakeholders, including private donors, in the planning process, it is the responsibility of trained museum staff to ensure that the exhibit meets the highest scholarly criteria, represents competing points of view, and reflects the diversity of the community that the museum serves. Rather than offering a final word, museum exhibits should encourage continuing discussions among visitors, scholars, the media, and the public at large. The Organization of American Historians fully supports the staff of the National Museum of American History--many of them respected members of the profession--in their efforts to uphold these exhibit standards. The OAH also understands the difficulty in raising large amounts of money to support Smithsonian projects. However, in light of the controversy enveloping the Smithsonian and its leader, Secretary Lawrence Small, we respectfully call on the Regents to review and reconsider the recent agreement with Catherine B. Reynolds respecting the establishment of a Hall of Fame for American Achievers. Furthermore, we urge that any Hall of Fame exhibit be provided a historical context in keeping with the mission of the NMAH. Sincerely, Lee W. Formwalt
encl: OAH History Exhibit Standards (2000) cc:
|
|
| 6.7.01 |