Jewish American history museum moves closer to joining Smithsonian amid political tensions

A congressional commission was sworn in to study whether Philadelphia's Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History should join the Smithsonian Institution. Chair Philip Darivoff and vice chair Dara Horn argue the move would elevate Jewish American history and combat ignorance, though the bid faces a politically charged environment under the Trump administration.

A new congressional commission was sworn in Tuesday to study whether Philadelphia's Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History should join the Smithsonian Institution. Chair Philip Darivoff, a former longtime chair of the Weitzman, and vice chair Dara Horn, a bestselling author, told JTA that the move would send a powerful message about Jews being a crucial component of American history. Horn hopes to emphasize Jewish contributions to founding ideals like religious pluralism. The commission has two years to publish a feasibility report. The bid advances as the Trump administration has sought greater control over the Smithsonian, issuing a report alleging 'radical ideology' in museum content. The Weitzman is already a Smithsonian affiliate with a building and collection, which proponents say could speed the process. CEO Dan Tadmor said joining would widen the museum's educational footprint. The commission's leaders expressed confidence that political upheaval would not affect their work.