Episode Details

Warning signs are going up from the Trump administration but warning flags are also waving from those who care about history. According to Mr. Trump, the Smithsonian Institution is not being accurate about American history. In an executive order, he has directed the National Park Service to put up signs on the way to the National Museum of American History, saying the museum’s exhibits do not show enough praise of America. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Democrat from New Mexico has called it quoting here “one of the dumbest and most bizarre Executive Orders we have ever read.” A report his administration put out last month says the Smithsonian is using American history, quote “as a ‘prime tool’ to advance ideas of social justice and the radical transformation of our society.” Her Turn reporter Arlene Zaucha recently spoke with Sehila Mota Casper, executive director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. As a historian and historian preservationist, she asks this question: whose story is being told in our history books, especially as the country is celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. For more information, Latino heritage.us.