A Letter from Brent D. Glass, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Hello, fellow Americans and history lovers!

I’ll never forget my first visit to the Smithsonian when I was nine years old. It sparked a lifelong love affair with history that burns strong within me to this day. In those days, not even the ferocious beatings that were administered by fellow classmates could prevent me from soaking in all of the knowledge that I possibly could regarding our country’s vast and diverse history. In fact, it was this unquenchable thirst for knowledge that drove me to the National History Bee Finals.

My job isn’t the only thing in my life that is history. Helen, my wife of thirteen years, recently left me for her dentist. She took the kids, the couch, the TV, and just about every penny in our joint bank account. At night, when I’m home stirring a tepid can of soup into the only pot that I have on my stove, I often think of the many historical trips that we took together. Gettysburg, Antietam, Tippecanoe. The list goes on and on. As you may be able to tell, this country’s rich landscape provides a Beautiful backdrop for some of history’s foremost locations.

On Independence Day, we recognize the sacrifices that our forefathers made, in order to ensure that they could pursue their way, the American way, of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I only wish that my wife Helen were able to recognize the sacrifice that I’ve made to bring history to the nation’s people. In a way, I struggle like our forefathers did those years ago. Helen is like the British. I will fight as long as I must to make sure that the people of this proud land have all of the access to our exhibits, films, and gift shop the they desire. I will not rest.

Happy 4th of July.

Brent. D. Glass
Director, Smithsonian National Museum of American History