Time to end secret data laboratories—starting with the CDC
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Thought Leader: Marty Makary
Michael Auslin: ‘The American Story’ Review
A new permanent exhibit in Washington uses interactive technology to take visitors on a personalized journey through the nation’s past, while wisely avoiding editorializing.
In a Wall Street Journal article, Michael Auslin explores the reopening of the newly redesigned National Archives museum in Washington, D.C.—a sweeping eight-year, $40 million renovation timed to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The transformation positions the Archives as a leading force in modern civics education.
At the heart of the renovation is a 10,000-square-foot permanent exhibition titled “The American Story,” featuring nine thematic galleries that trace the nation’s founding, expansion, innovation, and defense. Rare documents—from George Washington’s annotated draft of the Constitution to the Louisiana Purchase Treaty—are displayed alongside immersive multimedia experiences and interactive exhibits that present multiple perspectives on pivotal moments in American history.
What sets the new museum apart is its groundbreaking digital system. Visitors select topics of interest upon entry, and an AI-powered platform draws from more than two million digitized records to create a personalized tour experience. The approach represents a new era for civic institutions—blending historical preservation with cutting-edge technology to foster meaningful engagement.
Auslin highlights the museum’s commitment to factual presentation, balance, and bipartisan collaboration in its development. Rather than editorializing, the exhibits emphasize context, unity, and the shared ideals that have shaped the American experiment.
As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial, Auslin argues that the National Archives’ renovation offers more than a museum update—it provides a model for revitalizing civic education and renewing a spirit of informed citizenship.
Visit the WSJ to read the full article.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America. Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements. Contact us to learn more.
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