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Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

What is 'curation'?

Curation is essentially the careful selection, organisation, and presentation of items, like artworks or historical artefacts, for an exhibition or collection. In the Smithsonian story, Trump's order challenges the museum's existing curation, suggesting their choices and presentation of American history are 'inaccurate' and need altering.

Stories that explain this

Trump orders Smithsonian to post signs warning of 'inaccurate' exhibits

Questions this opens up

Who decides history? What is an artefact? Why do museums collect?

Related explainers

What is an executive order? What is 'historical revisionism'? How do museums get funding? Why are museums important? Can a president change history? What's a primary source? What is the Smithsonian? Who writes history books?

The full catalogue

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