Are We Losing Our Historic Focus?

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, families are choosing to revisit this country’s history by touring national monuments, parks, and sites across the many states.

Before taking the children or grandchildren on a road trip to learn about history, be prepared that not all U.S. monuments reflect the historic site as one would expect. The tours, placards, and exhibits at many sites discuss the historic significance of the location and people of that time. However, the signage and exhibits at other monuments reflect biased narratives that have little to do with the site.

Why is this happening and what can be done about it?

Operations and Funding

The U.S. National Parks Service manages more than our national parks. In fact, they are also responsible for managing many historic monuments and memorials across the country. This includes the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and Federal Hall in New York City, where George Washington took the oath of office as our first President of the United States of America.

Most, if not all, of our historic sites receive federal funding, but many receive private funding as well. For example, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia receives government funding, but it is owned and operated by the National Constitution Center. Entities like this receive donations from individuals, trusts, and foundations. In fact, entrepreneur and hedge fund manager, Ken Griffin, made the single largest donation to the National Constitution Center – $15 million. Large dollar donations such as his can fund specific exhibits and placards, but they can also influence the tone and focus of the entire historic site.

Visiting Historic Sites

As you plan your trip to a national park, monument, or historic site, consider the purpose of your visit. Is it a bucket-list visit or an educational journey? Do you want an accurate depiction of the experiences of the first settlers in Jamestown? Do you want to tour the home of James Madison to understand why he is called the “Father of the Constitution” by many? Not all sites accurately or thoroughly depict the main reason someone would choose to visit one of these momentous locations.

Fortunately, The Heritage Foundation launched an evaluation of historic sites that can be used as a visitor’s planning tool. The website’s map of reviewed sites in all 50 states is user friendly, showing the many locations that have already been rated, including the National Constitution Center which received an “A” rating. However, there are more reviews in process and still many more sites to be reviewed. Each site is primarily reviewed by historians, including Speaker Newt Gingrich, on historic accuracy and comprehension. Analyses also include ideological bias, considerations for families, historical significance, and funding and operations information.

Bottom line…

America’s 250 years of history has been fraught with struggle, division, and difficult choices, but it has also reaped freedom, innovation, and prosperity. While all of our history is not pretty, it should not be forgotten. Similarly, we cannot overlook the great achievements born from the adversity of our ancestors. Ignoring or overemphasizing historical facts does nothing to honor our past. More importantly, unless we teach this country’s history accurately so our children and grandchildren learn the lessons of the past, they will be unprepared for current and future societal struggles. They will not understand how blessed they are to be Americans and why so many continue to fight for freedom today.