Smithsonian Statement on Impeachment Exhibit

As the keeper of memory for the nation, it is our privilege and responsibility to tell accurate and complete histories. As has been recently reported, in July, a placard was removed from the National Museum of American History’s exhibit "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden." The intent of the Impeachment section of the exhibit is to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation’s history.  

The placard, which was meant to be a temporary addition to a twenty-five year-old exhibition, did not meet the museum’s standards in appearance, location, timeline and overall presentation. It was not consistent with other sections in the exhibit and moreover blocked the view of the objects inside its case. For these reasons, we removed the placard. We were not asked by any Administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit. 

The section in question, Impeachment, will be updated in the coming weeks to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation’s history. 

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