America’s Complex and Inspirational Story: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future

History, in its truest form, is an unvarnished mirror reflecting both the brilliance and the blemishes of our past. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, of noble ideals and devastating contradictions.

As a nation, from our inception we have grappled with the tension between our highest aspirations, the uncomfortable realities of our past, and often glaring inconsistencies. From the dawn of Colonial America to the third decade of the 21st century, the American story has been shaped by individuals who built, struggled, and fought to make the country better, to move it forward in an ongoing quest to manifest the lofty goals that were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.

In an era where historical revisionism is a growing threat, preserving our true history—its victories, its horrors, its hero’s and villains, and its ongoing journey—is more critical than ever. That revisionism has led to an internal struggle. At Jim Hinckley’s America we share America’s story. How can I do that in an era when the presentation of honest history with all its warts and scars is often deemed to be unpatriotic?

Recent efforts to remove exhibits from the Smithsonian under the guise of eliminating ‘un-American’ content provided the answer. Tell America’s story and let the chips fall where they may.

These efforts to purge history reflect the dangers of erasing our past rather than learning from it. Executive orders seeking to purge elements of American history from federal institutions pose a direct threat to the nation’s ability to confront and learn from its past. If we are to grow as a nation, we must embrace the full scope of our history, from the injustices to the triumphs, and understand the hard-earned progress that has come from each chapter.

The Role of Slavery in Early America and the Civil War

The foundations of Colonial America were deeply intertwined with slavery, an economic and social system that enriched plantation owners while condemning millions to bondage. Slavery was not just a Southern institution—it existed in Northern states as well, fueling industries like shipbuilding, textiles, and trade. By the time of the American Revolution, the paradox of fighting for liberty while perpetuating enslavement was evident to many, including Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and an early advocate for abolition.

The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the early 19th century, with figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison leading the charge. The Civil War is often framed as a conflict over states’ rights. But is was ultimately a battle over the institution of slavery and a states right to preserve the institution of slavery. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment finally ended slavery, but the long shadow of racism persisted.

Following the war, statues honoring Confederate leaders and generals were erected—not immediately as tributes to fallen soldiers. They were tangible links to a concerted effort to rewrite the narrative of the South’s defeat. Robert E. Lee vocally opposed these type of monuments.

“I think it wiser,” the retired military leader wrote about a proposed Gettysburg memorial in 1869, “…not to keep open the sores of war but to follow the examples of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of civil strife, to commit to oblivion the feelings engendered.” “Lee wrote on numerous occasions of his belief that countries that erased visible signs of civil war recovered from conflicts quicker. In his opinion monuments would keep the divisions that led to civil war alive.

These monuments built in the 19th and early 20th century proved Lee right. They became instruments of intimidation rather than historical preservation. Understanding their origins is crucial in debates over their removal or contextualization.

Personally, I am against removal. But I am strongly in favor that they be presented with a proper historic context, and be used to initiate constructive conversation.

Racial Struggles and Unsung Heroes of the 20th Century

The early 20th century was marked by racial violence, including race riots such as those in Tulsa (1921) and Rosewood (1923), where prosperous Black communities were destroyed by white mobs. Yet even in the face of oppression, African Americans contributed heroically to the nation.

The Harlem Hell Fighters, an all-Black regiment in World War I, fought valiantly in Europe despite facing discrimination at home. The Tuskegee Airmen shattered stereotypes in World War II, proving their prowess as fighter pilots while battling segregation in the military.

One unsung hero of the era was Alberta Ellis of Springfield, Missouri. In the face of segregation and racial barriers, Ellis established a successful hotel, restaurant, and entertainment venue that served African American travelers during a time when accommodations were severely limited due to Jim Crow laws. Her contributions not only provided a safe haven for Black travelers but also fostered economic opportunities within her community.

Elli’s story is an all American story. And it is an often overlooked chapter in Route 66 history.

Victor Green, a postal worker from Harlem, played a crucial role in aiding Black travelers through his creation of The Negro Motorist Green Book. First published in 1936, the guide listed businesses—including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other essential services—that welcomed Black patrons.

This indispensable resource helped African Americans navigate the challenges of segregation and discrimination while traveling across the United States. Many of the sites listed in the Green Book became cultural and economic hubs, providing a foundation for Black entrepreneurship and community resilience.

The Native American Experience: Tragedy and Triumph

No discussion of America’s past is complete without acknowledging the tragic history of Native American relations. From forced removals like the Trail of Tears to broken treaties and the brutal suppression of indigenous cultures, the treatment of Native peoples is a dark chapter in American history. Yet Native Americans have also contributed profoundly to the nation’s story and its quest to manifest the goals of the Declaration of Independence.

The story of Joe Medicine Crow, a Crow war chief and historian, is one of resilience, of bridging chasms of division, and inspiration. His service in World War II and dedication to preserving his people’s traditions is a legacy that could be used to inspire a new generation of American leaders.

The Navajo, Cheyenne and other Native American code talkers played a crucial role in World War II. They used their native languages to develop unbreakable codes that helped secure victory in the Pacific theater. Others went ashore on D Day.

Their contributions, long overlooked, are now rightly honored in museums and history books. But how many Americans are aware of what happened to the code talkers after the war? How many Americans know of the Snyder Act of 1924 that granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States, and how contentious this act was for decades?

The Importance of Preserving, Not Revising, History

America’s history is not just a list of accomplishments but a testament to resilience, struggle, sacrifice, vision, tenacity, patriotism, and the power of inspiration. The contributions of African American inventors, Native American warriors, and unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement should be remembered alongside the stories of our Founding Fathers. Figures like Benjamin Rush, who advocated for public health and abolition, and countless other lesser-known pioneers, deserve recognition.

The recent push to remove exhibits from the Smithsonian and other institutions under political pressure is a dangerous precedent. Whitewashing history does not change it—it only leaves us unprepared to learn from it.

True patriotism is not about blind allegiance but about striving to fulfill the ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence. As a nation, we must ensure that history remains a tool for education and growth rather than a weapon for the advancement of a political agenda.

Museums, historic sites, and preservation efforts play a vital role in this mission. Places like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and countless regional museums across the country help tell the full, unfiltered American story. Sites such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, and Ellis Island provide powerful insights into the struggles and achievements of African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants. Additionally, sites such as the locations once listed in the Green Book documented by Candacy Taylor stand as testaments to the perseverance and ingenuity of marginalized communities throughout American history.

In the end, America’s story is not just one of hardship but of hope and inspiration. It is a continuous and ongoing effort to manifest the principles upon which this country was founded. By preserving our history—honestly and completely—we can ensure that future generations inherit not just the triumphs but also the lessons learned from our past. That is how we honor those who came before us, and that is how we build a better tomorrow.