SAA Statement on Changes Being Made at National Parks and Monuments

April 8, 2026—In recent months, there have been a number of actions taken by the National Park Service in an effort to comply with the Trump Administration’s Executive Order Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History and Executive Order Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. The actions have resulted in the removal of references to contributions by historically marginalized groups such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and have censored factual representations of history.

These Executive Orders result in systemic efforts to distort the historical record. The removal of references to the contributions of broad segments of society to our shared history undermines historical integrity, public trust, and the long-standing interpretative missions of agencies directly targeted by these orders, such as the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution.

The Society of American Archivists recognizes and affirms that archivists and information professionals have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that the historical record is not only preserved, but that this information is not distorted, misrepresented, or suppressed. In the 250 years since the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, when access to the public record was included in the many grievances against King George, the people of the US have demanded a thorough, publicly available historical record. An accurate and inclusive interpretation of history is not something that should be censored or hidden away.

SAA stands with the Organization of American Historians in acknowledging that, “historical knowledge is a shared civic resource and a bedrock of accountability” and condemns any effort to suppress the facts of history in the strongest possible terms. We support the agencies and workers who are entrusted with preserving and promoting our shared history. For 250 years, the people of the US have demanded access to accurate public records and factual representations of history. Continuing these demands is indispensable in our effort to foster and promote a healthy democratic society.

For more information on the ongoing effort to censor the historical record, please refer to:

1. Unbreaking’s Archives & History Timeline
2. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Erasing the Past: the Trump administration’s attacks on history since 2025