Oh dear, the Smithsonian has stepped in it again! In their “America’s Presidents” exhibit, they boldly stated that Richard Nixon was impeached—only to be taken to task for a little historical hiccup by the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Jim Byron.
It seems a glaring error slipped through the cracks, claiming Nixon faced impeachment on charges he never actually faced because he resigned before the House could ever cast a vote. Quite a blunder for a respected institution, wouldn’t you say?
Now, let’s be real: it’s a wonder these folks can keep track of all 46 presidents. They can’t even get the basics right on the quarterback of their own party! Byron pointed out that the old label didn’t have this impeachment drama, so maybe someone got a little too excited with this new-age history rewrite. Perhaps they think the past should fit a modern narrative—because who needs facts when you have feelings?
While I’m all for getting the historical narrative right, let’s not pretend that Nixon ushered in the collapse of democracy. His resignation, rather than a grand impeachment spectacle, painted a different tale—one of accountability, perhaps even humility in politics. So, maybe the Smithsonian should resort to more than just pretty portraits and spotty biographies; how about a little class in historical accuracy while they’re at it?
With all the drama surrounding political history these days, it sure would help if museums could focus on the actual meat of the story, not just the spicy tidbits that fit their cozy narratives. So, here’s hoping the Smithsonian takes a little extra time to correct the record. After all, museum-going should be enlightening, not a lesson in “alternative facts.”
