In November 2021, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened an exhibit called “The Electric Dr. Franklin,” highlighting Benjamin Franklin’s ground-breaking contributions to electrical science. However, the exhibit sparked controversy by noting that, prior to becoming an abolitionist, Franklin had enslaved people in his household. The exhibit suggested that Franklin may have used enslaved people in his electrical research, stating, 'Franklin wrote about experiments in which he took shocks and used family and friends in these ways, although he seldom identified who in particular assisted him.' The exhibit also speculated that indentured servants and enslaved people in his household could have been used, although the identities were never definitively known.

The revelation was a potent one: America’s most revered founding father apparently used enslaved people for his scientific experiments. This came to light after a blistering 162-page White House report in July argued that the museum had fallen victim to an 'ideological capture,' moving its mission away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward 'extreme political activism.'

The Smithsonian, which attracts some 15 million visitors annually to its 21 museums, has traditionally managed to remain above the political fray. But this exhibit marked a significant exception, drawing criticism from conservatives who accused the museum of politicising American history. This incident comes just as political polarization has intensified and culture wars have become more prominent in American society.

For decades, the Smithsonian has been a bastion of bipartisan support, safeguarding America’s history, ingenuity and natural heritage. Now, it faces a new challenge as it navigates the complexities of America’s political landscape.