Protecting Our History Act of 2026

(a) Preservation of black history. The Smithsonian Institution shall maintain and strengthen its commitment to the preservation, research, and presentation of African American history across all relevant museums, archives, and programs.

(b) Prohibition on content restrictions. No Federal officer or political appointee may restrict, reduce, alter, remove, or impede the ability of the NMAAHC or any Smithsonian unit to display, interpret, or disseminate historically documented information concerning African American history or any other protected historical narrative.

(c) Preservation protocol. In the event that the Board of Regents, in consultation with the Council, determines that Federal action poses an imminent threat to the integrity of NMAAHC collections, exhibitions, or programming, the Smithsonian shall—

(1) coordinate with partner institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities, Association of African American Museums members, and other cultural institutions, to arrange temporary custody of at-risk collections;

(2) archive digital records, curatorial materials, and educational content with multiple partner institutions and, where appropriate, international partners; and

(3) document all retaliation claims and coordinate legal response with the NMAAHC Council consistent with section 204.