A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of contributing an article to The Conversation titled How Museums Can Rebuild Trust in a Divided America. In that piece, I wrote about the deep polarization affecting the country and the strain it places on public trust. Even so, museums continue to stand out as reliable, nonpartisan institutions where people feel they can explore ideas without the pressure to choose sides. I argued that museums can play a valuable role by creating spaces for curiosity, open inquiry, and thoughtful conversation. When museums invite visitors to slow down, ask questions, and listen to one another, they help build the habits that strengthen communities.

Because the article was published under a Creative Commons license, it reached a far wider audience than I expected. It was republished by several outlets, including The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Washington Post’s new Ripple opinion blog.

The piece also led to additional media interviews on the subject. One of them was titled Michigan Museums Seen as Nonpartisan Spaces in a Divided Nation for Public News Service, where I spoke about how rising distrust in American life contrasts with the steady trust people place in museums. We discussed the importance of helping visitors navigate a complex information landscape and of creating opportunities for dialogue across differences.

Another interview was with The Metro on WDET, Detroit Public Radio titled Can Museums Maintain Public Trust Amid Trump Pressure on Smithsonian?. There we focused on the pressures museums face when political leaders attempt to shape or challenge their work. I emphasized that museums must remain places for honest inquiry rather than political messaging, and that protecting trust requires transparency, integrity, and a commitment to evidence. We also talked about how museums can model critical thinking and empathy even when the public discourse feels polarized or strained.

Taken together, these conversations have reminded me how essential museums are at this moment in our nation’s history. They give people a place to gather, to think, and to consider perspectives beyond their own. At a time when trust feels fragile, museums can help rebuild it by staying true to their purpose and by welcoming everyone through their doors.