As the US Approaches Its 250th Anniversary, Museums Must Advance the American Story
The Phillips Collection was founded during a period when President Harding called for a return to "normalcy," a term that still echoes in today's political language. Established in 1921 by Duncan Phillips, an art collector and philanthropist, the museum emerged amid deep transformations in the United States.
At that time, the Harlem Renaissance thrived while racial violence, including the Tulsa Race Massacre, exposed profound racial divisions. Artists such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe were reshaping American art. Amidst this turbulence, Phillips envisioned his museum as more than just a place to admire or study art.
A Vision for Reflection and Dialogue
Phillips imagined the institution as a space for reflection, experimentation, civic engagement, and solace during a time of upheaval—needs that resonate strongly today.
Continuing Challenges in National Identity
More than 100 years later, as the nation nears its 250th anniversary, it still confronts pressing issues surrounding identity, inclusion, and the way history is told.
“Here in Washington, DC, cultural institutions are navigating renewed calls for a return to ‘normalcy’ and ‘sanity’ alongside efforts to narrow the scope of the American story.”
This ongoing struggle challenges museums to continue pushing the narrative forward, reflecting the complexity of American society.
Author's Summary
Museums like The Phillips Collection play a vital role in reflecting and shaping ongoing discussions about identity and history as the US marks 250 years.
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