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Eugene

(65,961 posts)
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 01:42 PM Apr 2025

Smithsonian begins removing exhibits, artifacts from African American History Museum

Source: DC News Now

Smithsonian begins removing exhibits, artifacts from African American History Museum

by: Daniel Hamburg
Posted: Apr 25, 2025 / 10:32 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 26, 2025 / 10:31 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Some artifacts and exhibits are being removed from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

It comes a month after President Trump’s executive order to remove what he calls “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums.

-snip-

Civil rights activist and San Francisco Pastor Rev. Dr. Amos Brown received an email this month stating that his artifacts were being returned.

The Smithsonian told him, “Your books are delicate. Well, they know how to preserve things,” Brown said. “I did not get an email saying we are temporarily sending it back for repair, or we are going to repair. It was this general email saying we are sending back to you your book, your bible.”

Since 2016, the museum has had Brown’s bible from when he went to demonstrations with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/smithsonian-begins-removing-exhibits-artifacts-from-african-american-history-museum/

Alternate link: https://www.yahoo.com/news/smithsonian-begins-removing-exhibits-artifacts-023207414.html

55 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Smithsonian begins removing exhibits, artifacts from African American History Museum (Original Post) Eugene Apr 2025 OP
I have no words for how angry this makes me. CrispyQ Apr 2025 #1
My sentiments exactly democrank Apr 2025 #8
And Heartbroken All at the same time.. Cha Apr 2025 #24
And even more alienated than I was, before. calimary Apr 2025 #35
Here's to All of us out Living the Cha Apr 2025 #36
We may outlive Trump, but his poison has infected the whole Republican Party and right-wing media. Lonestarblue Apr 2025 #43
I have plenty of words. Most of them would net me a visit from the suits. niyad Apr 2025 #27
Don't just get mad, vow to get even. c-rational Apr 2025 #31
Trump is destroying American history, culture, society. Irish_Dem Apr 2025 #2
I agree Grim Chieftain Apr 2025 #4
White males are only 30% of the US population, and ruling like Satanic Hitler clones. Irish_Dem Apr 2025 #5
Agree completely Grim Chieftain Apr 2025 #6
yes DonCoquixote Apr 2025 #18
Agree 100% Frances Apr 2025 #23
I wonder what the gestation machines will look like. ananda Apr 2025 #7
Are they making plans to stuff Kristi Noem when the time comes? delisen Apr 2025 #12
The Trump Barbie doll line will roll out. Irish_Dem Apr 2025 #53
LOL ananda Apr 2025 #55
Well, no, they won't, and we can push back now. CBHagman Apr 2025 #47
Yes it is totally up to We The People. Irish_Dem Apr 2025 #54
I'm surprised they didn't shut the whole thing down underpants Apr 2025 #3
It's horrible hannah Apr 2025 #9
It is probably a good thing the items are being returned, to prevent potential looting yellowdogintexas Apr 2025 #32
This is the prelude to that happening. JHB Apr 2025 #37
I'm going to have to check the law, but I don't think they can do that... CBHagman Apr 2025 #48
Let's just erase all our history. Start fresh with TSF sinkingfeeling Apr 2025 #10
My god we have to find a way to stop this! MuseRider Apr 2025 #11
You are heroic. CBHagman Apr 2025 #49
I am not a bit heroic but I am stubborn as hell when it comes to MuseRider Apr 2025 #52
That's outrageous wendyb-NC Apr 2025 #13
James Smithson would be appalled at what is happening by the bigots in this country erronis Apr 2025 #14
Yup, he explicitly wanted the US to gain more knowledge and understanding IronLionZion Apr 2025 #16
From the "you can't erase history" people IronLionZion Apr 2025 #15
How low can they go, lower than anyone even imagined. OverBurn Apr 2025 #17
It's monstrous! Revisionists! surfered Apr 2025 #19
This is disgusting and disturbing. Behind the Aegis Apr 2025 #20
Who ARE these weak, cowardly, insecure beta-males... dchill Apr 2025 #21
This sort of thing is obscene and should be front page news. The only reason that highplainsdem Apr 2025 #22
Racism it is what is for breakfast with Trump. Botany Apr 2025 #25
No they should all stand together and tell Trump to FUCK OFF. Bengus81 Apr 2025 #29
GOD DAMN the smithsonian for kissing that fucking orange RAPIST/TRAITOR**'s niyad Apr 2025 #26
WTF? Bengus81 Apr 2025 #28
Trump's works to outrage people Keepthesoulalive Apr 2025 #30
But tearing downa a confederate statue is "removing history" SSJVegeta Apr 2025 #33
The museum says it is merely returning items on loan, as per standard niyad Apr 2025 #34
"WHITE-washing" history Skittles Apr 2025 #38
trump is the curator of RACISM Blue Owl Apr 2025 #39
Despicable Joinfortmill Apr 2025 #40
Filthy Nazis are trying to distort history. 58Sunliner Apr 2025 #41
I'm furious about this. Mr. Jinx Apr 2025 #42
I never thought I'd live to see the National Museum editing history. patphil Apr 2025 #44
This turns my stomach karin_sj Apr 2025 #45
TheI thought I knew a lot about slavery, but the exhibits at the African American History Museum made me realize I Martin68 Apr 2025 #46
My "Good" Niece... TheJillMill Apr 2025 #50
Changes coming atreides1 Apr 2025 #51

CrispyQ

(40,029 posts)
1. I have no words for how angry this makes me.
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 01:46 PM
Apr 2025


White-man culture. That's all we'll be allowed if someone doesn't stop this shit.

calimary

(87,160 posts)
35. And even more alienated than I was, before.
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:47 PM
Apr 2025

I keep reminding myself that “NOTHING lasts forever. Not even the donald.” But I’m not sure I’ll live long enough to see that.

Lonestarblue

(12,832 posts)
43. We may outlive Trump, but his poison has infected the whole Republican Party and right-wing media.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 10:24 AM
Apr 2025

We will not easily rid ourselves of the white supremacy and misogyny that are now embedded in a large share of the population.

Irish_Dem

(72,736 posts)
2. Trump is destroying American history, culture, society.
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 01:48 PM
Apr 2025

Only white christian males will be left.

Grim Chieftain

(438 posts)
4. I agree
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 02:23 PM
Apr 2025

These white Christian males are following someone who is more like Satan and Hitler than Christ.

Frances

(8,586 posts)
23. Agree 100%
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:53 PM
Apr 2025

Old Testsment: Trump has broken several of the Ten Commandments multiple times.
New Testatment: Trump’s actions are the opposite of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan
And the opposite of Jesus’ words, “ Suffer the little children to come to me.” Trump is separating the little children from their parents. And he is deporting American born pre-school children with cancer.
On Judgment day, Trump supporters will not be standing with the sheep. Trump supporters will be standing with the goats.
Trump is leading his supporters straight to hell.
That’s if you believe the Bible.

delisen

(7,112 posts)
12. Are they making plans to stuff Kristi Noem when the time comes?
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:02 PM
Apr 2025

Or will they just exhibit her lips, her gun, and a dog to illustrate the ideal white patriarchal female?

Personally I think that Roy Rogers stuffing his horse, Trigger, for exhibition was ok, the full Kristi should also be memorialized. MAGA is not a halfway measures movement.

Irish_Dem

(72,736 posts)
53. The Trump Barbie doll line will roll out.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 03:17 PM
Apr 2025

Action Figure Barbie
Porn Barbie
Bondage Barbie
Trump Tramp Barbie
First Ho Barbie
Incest Barbie

Men can pick their favorite Barbie gestation machine.

CBHagman

(17,320 posts)
47. Well, no, they won't, and we can push back now.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:32 PM
Apr 2025

This administration has caved on things, and though it remains as racist AF, we have an obligation to keep at it. Generations are depending on us to do the right thing now, today.

Everybody (Congress, the Shite House, et al.) needs to hear from us, loudly.

yellowdogintexas

(23,375 posts)
32. It is probably a good thing the items are being returned, to prevent potential looting
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:37 PM
Apr 2025

and damage. There are some horrible people in this country these days, and there is always the potential for breakins and destruction of important items.

It is still absolutely disgusting.

CBHagman

(17,320 posts)
48. I'm going to have to check the law, but I don't think they can do that...
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:34 PM
Apr 2025

Mind you, they have been conducting mass firings, which are illegal, as far as I know, but Trump is infamous for dragging out court cases.

In any event, I don't think they can just shutter things, and it's more a matter of pick, pick, picking at things.

MuseRider

(34,851 posts)
11. My god we have to find a way to stop this!
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:00 PM
Apr 2025

At the very least we could scream about them until they grow sick of it (would they?) or we break apart beating our heads on the wall (something I am very good at) for fucking ever if needs be. We all need a person, at least, or persons in our own state governments to who would take on these issues with us, again at the very least.

We put together a coalition in Kansas to fight the Right who were going after the LGBTQ community. We started out full barreled. We ended up with some good law and a much better attitude in our state. As soon as those of us who did all that and we needed to rest it fell apart. Put together something and start working on it even if it is late and make as much noise as possible. DO it in 25 different ways and never stop. Toe to toe face them down. Remember to take the rests. You need to because if you have not done this it is brutal and I mean that. We have lost a lot of ground because those of us who started it were emotionally gone after the 10 or so years we spent building it. This is a whole different ball game but it is the same reason for fighting, it almost always is.

I have been down for a while, getting too old to do what I did before but I would do anything I could to help all this along. We HAVE NO CHOICE now and our legislators should be hearing that every waking minute.

This is our job but it is also theirs and if they are not interested we must make them do it. Let them see your name on their call list 5 or 10 times a day. Get your friends and go to their offices or at least call. That can sometimes be fun because they will tell you without saying it more than you can get out yourself. I haunted The RedNeck Rapper for some time. He would start "rapping" in his office the moment I walked in. It was just awful. BUT you have to do it. He did not change I seem to remember he did not say as much after so you never know but it was done.

EVERY DAY. Get a group and make a plan. You can fight it from anywhere.

erronis

(20,745 posts)
14. James Smithson would be appalled at what is happening by the bigots in this country
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:07 PM
Apr 2025
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Smithson

Even though Smithson was a wealthy white man he donated his wealth (via a nephew Hungerford) towards knowledge:
I then bequeath the whole of my property, . . . to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men.[19]

IronLionZion

(49,507 posts)
16. Yup, he explicitly wanted the US to gain more knowledge and understanding
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:19 PM
Apr 2025

a very noble goal.

IronLionZion

(49,507 posts)
15. From the "you can't erase history" people
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:15 PM
Apr 2025

Last edited Sun Apr 27, 2025, 06:17 PM - Edit history (1)

this is what happens when people learn history from confederate statues instead of museums, books, or school. Doomed to repeat history.

Behind the Aegis

(55,548 posts)
20. This is disgusting and disturbing.
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:39 PM
Apr 2025

It is a fantastic museum. My husband I went a few years back and we were there for almost three hours! And that was moving at more than slow pace, but not brisk! We spent over $500 in the gift shop.

This is not "whitewashing", this is outright erasure. What about the other museums in the vicinity which shine a harsh, but accurate light on the history of the US and the world, including many exhibits in the main part of the Smithsonian itself?!

dchill

(42,660 posts)
21. Who ARE these weak, cowardly, insecure beta-males...
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:44 PM
Apr 2025

...who are shitting out their souls and their pride while carrying out the wishes of their perceived alpha leaders? They cannot be repaired in time to save our country. Can they be stopped?

highplainsdem

(57,553 posts)
22. This sort of thing is obscene and should be front page news. The only reason that
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 03:44 PM
Apr 2025

Trump's declining approval rating isn't much lower is that RW media covers almost none of what he's really doing, and MSM carry too little of it.

Botany

(74,864 posts)
25. Racism it is what is for breakfast with Trump.
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:21 PM
Apr 2025

Everybody working at the Smithsonian should quit. This will not change our history

niyad

(125,544 posts)
26. GOD DAMN the smithsonian for kissing that fucking orange RAPIST/TRAITOR**'s
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:23 PM
Apr 2025

ass. I have lost all respect for them.

Bengus81

(9,072 posts)
28. WTF?
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:28 PM
Apr 2025

Hell...send Lindbergh's aircraft back to St. Louis and anything Apollo related back to NASA. Those flights never happened.

Oh boy....everyone can play the Trump game.

Keepthesoulalive

(1,585 posts)
30. Trump's works to outrage people
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:32 PM
Apr 2025

It takes their minds off the other stuff he’s doing. Black people will persevere, he won’t erase our 300 year history in this country because many of us know it by heart. There is an oral tradition and because of the danger we face we teach our children.

niyad

(125,544 posts)
34. The museum says it is merely returning items on loan, as per standard
Sun Apr 27, 2025, 04:44 PM
Apr 2025

museum practice.

58Sunliner

(5,902 posts)
41. Filthy Nazis are trying to distort history.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 09:42 AM
Apr 2025

I was listening to public radio the other day and as we know Lake has taken over the USAGM which also will politicize record keeping. Marc Thiessen and Ilan Berman join RFE/RL Board of Directors-Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty so the gaslighting will be international.

Mr. Jinx

(1,388 posts)
42. I'm furious about this.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 09:51 AM
Apr 2025

This isn't about "improper ideology," it's erasure. When you have small-minded people who fear it, this is what happens. History can course-correct over the course of time, but never when its existence is denied.

karin_sj

(1,231 posts)
45. This turns my stomach
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 10:53 AM
Apr 2025

It's so blatantly obvious that they are in the process of negating every accomplishment, every expression, everything they can to fulfill their cruel, racist, evil goals of erasing people of color, women, and the gay/trans community from our country. It's beyond my comprehension the sheer number of people that are destroying our country and its ideals, from top to bottom. And the people who seem to be cheering this on, or just not caring about what is happening is mind boggling as well.

Martin68

(26,221 posts)
46. TheI thought I knew a lot about slavery, but the exhibits at the African American History Museum made me realize I
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 10:57 AM
Apr 2025

knew very little. Dismantling any of their exhibits is a crime against humanity.

TheJillMill

(61 posts)
50. My "Good" Niece...
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:41 PM
Apr 2025

... my oldest nephew's wife has been working at the National Museum of African American History and Culture since it opened, almost all from home now and was at another branch of the Smithsonian before that (a total of almost 20 years). She is worried about her job because after they fire probationary employees, they'll probably go after the ones with the most seniority.

atreides1

(16,799 posts)
51. Changes coming
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 02:04 PM
Apr 2025

There will be a movie theater for visitors showing two movies: Disney's "Song of the South" and D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of A Nation"!


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