Jewish American history museum moves closer to joining Smithsonian amid political tensions
Jewish history could gain a more prominent place in the Smithsonian as a congressional commission considers adding Philadelphia's Weitzman Museum to the national network.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia is moving closer to becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution. A new congressional commission will study the feasibility of this move. Commission chair Philip Darivoff and vice chair Dara Horn, both prominent Jewish American figures, believe that joining the Smithsonian would send a powerful message about the importance of Jewish American history and culture.
They hope the move would combat an "epidemic of ignorance" among Americans regarding Jewish history and culture, and highlight the contributions of Jews to American founding ideals. The commission, established in 2024, has two years to research and publish a report on the matter. The Weitzman, already an existing, fully functioning institution and a Smithsonian affiliate, could benefit from the enhanced resources and curriculum development opportunities that come with Smithsonian affiliation.
This bid for greater prominence within the Smithsonian comes amid scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has alleged "radical ideology" in the museums' content.
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