Smithsonian, museums, and the president
A message from the president and CEO of the Science Museum of Minnesota
I am a big fan of podcasts. I recently listened to an episode “A Way with Words,” where they discussed the phrase "sold down the river." This originated from the practice of selling enslaved people down the Mississippi River, where plantations were particularly harsh in their treatment. This barbaric practice often separated families, including husbands and wives, fathers and children, mothers and children, and other family members: one of the many horrendous realities of slavery that still has repercussions today.
As I reflect on Donald Trump’s recent words around the Smithsonian, its depiction of slavery, and his actions around deportations, I see similar impacts from his actions. He, too, is separating families and creating false narratives to meet his own end, whatever that might be. These separations will continue to have a long-lasting effect on those involved and on our nation.
As a museum, we will not help our nation or each other by trying to hide, diminish, or reframe these government-sanctioned harms – as we are in the midst of them or as we look back and tell our history. We must hold firm to our values of collaboration, equity, and learning. As an accredited institution, we must adhere to the standards set forth by the American Alliance of Museums and disallow any third parties from dictating our museum programs.
I cannot imagine the tremendous pressure that Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, and Smithsonian leadership must feel. Donald Trump has threatened to put this same pressure on all museums. We are fortunate to be in a state that supports many rights we hold dear. If pressure comes upon us, we will hold firm to our mission, values, and three statements on equity and inclusion, climate change, and evolution. This is my commitment to you.
Our nation had a flawed start, beginning with, among other atrocities, the systematic killing of the indigenous people who were already here. We will only become a better nation and museum by acknowledging our past and working to improve as we move forward.
With concern and commitment,
Alison Rempel Brown