The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) endorses The Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026, introduced by Representatives Stanbury (D-NM), Jackson (D-IL), and Mfume (D-MD), which would protect the scholarly independence of the Smithsonian Institution from political influence.

We thank them for taking action by introducing this bill to protect the Smithsonian’s scholarly independence. 

“Americans value museums as trusted, independent sources of information, and regardless of political affiliation, they have made it overwhelmingly clear that they do not support museum censorship,” said Devon Akmon, AAM Board Chair. “Protecting the Smithsonian’s scholarly independence honors that public trust and affirms a principle fundamental to all museums: scholarship and interpretation must be guided by evidence, expertise, and professional standards, not political influence.”

Research shows that Americans overwhelmingly value museums as educational, cultural, and economic assets to their communities. Across political affiliation, age, and museum-going habits, Americans support federal funding for museums and respond positively to lawmakers who take action to support them.

AAM has consistently called for the protection of the Smithsonian’s scholarly integrity and institutional independence and has warned that efforts to politicize our nation’s flagship museum system have implications for museums across the country.

AAM urges Congress to pass this Act and uphold the independence that enables museums to serve the American public. Contact your members of Congress and ask them to support the Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026.