Wary of changes under Trump, ‘citizen historians’ are documenting the Smithsonian

by The editor•22 September 2025•NPR

Shelley Smith, a retired public health professional, is one of hundreds of volunteers taking part in an effort to document wall text, objects and images at the Smithsonian.

Historians and citizens who say they are concerned about the Trump administration’s pressure on the Smithsonian are working to document exhibits, as they exist today, throughout the museum network.

(Image credit: Elizabeth Blair)