301Z Spring 2026 The Smithsonian and History Wars

301Z  The Smithsonian and History Wars
Two sessions
Instructors: Michael McGregor, Richard Berger
Mondays, 9:40—11:05, Mar. 23—Mar. 30
On August 12, President Trump sent a letter to the Smithsonian identifying exhibits that the Administration believes fail to meet historical standards outlined in President Trump’s executive order. This class will examine the history of the Smithsonian from a small museum into a world-renown one. The federal government played an instrumental role in the Smithsonian’s development and growth, and we will examine whether there are any precedents for the government attempting to influence the Smithsonian's curatorial and historical standards. Following two lectures, participants will meet at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum for a guided tour of key exhibits. This is a drive on your own, carpool, or Metro trip. To take Metro, get off at Federal Triangle.
Michael McGregor currently works as a policy analyst at the Department of Health and Human Services. Michael's research has focused on the history of the U.S. Presidency, and Franklin Roosevelt, Congress, and the Lend-Lease Act. Michael received his Master of Arts from George Mason in 2002.
Richard Berger has had a lifelong interest in U.S. presidential history. He is currently a docent at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where he provides museum tours, and is also a member of the NMAH Docent Council. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from New York University and a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota.