Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies whose members include George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, astronomer Maria Mitchell and other leaders from across a variety of disciplines. Hartig was recognized for her contributions as a public historian and leader in the fields of scientific, cultural and nonprofit leadership. She was formally inducted during a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 10, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Since joining the Smithsonian in 2019, Hartig has led the National Museum of American History through a period of growth and transformation, advancing efforts to make the museum more accessible, inclusive, relevant and sustainable while expanding its reach to audiences across the country and online. She is the first woman to lead the museum. Prior to joining the Smithsonian, Hartig was the executive director and CEO of the California Historical Society.
In her acceptance letter, which was one of 12 selected for display at the academy, Hartig wrote that she was grateful and humbled by the election.
“To join such a remarkable roster, one that has been building for nearly 250 years, fills me with pride in our collective commitment to service, learning and the future of the democratic republic,” Hartig wrote. “To be elected in this, the United States’ semiquincentennial year, honors not only me but also those alongside whom I serve here at the Smithsonian.”
Hartig joins a distinguished group of Smithsonian colleagues who have been elected to the academy, including Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian; Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and Culture; Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research; Cynthia Chavez Lamar, director of the National Museum of the American Indian; and Richard Kurin, Smithsonian distinguished scholar and ambassador-at-large.
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded during the American Revolution and is both an honorary society that celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center that convenes leaders across disciplines. Hartig is among more than 250 new members elected to the academy this year.
About the National Museum of American History
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum offers always expanding access to online exhibitions, PK–12 educational materials and programs.