A new exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution has sparked controversy over its portrayal of Benjamin Franklin. The exhibit suggests that the Founding Father may have used electroshock therapy on enslaved people, a claim that a Heritage Foundation expert has called "shocking." The expert expressed strong disapproval of the exhibit's content, but the Smithsonian's chief reportedly has "no regrets" about the display.
The exhibit, part of a larger presentation on Franklin's life and work, includes a section exploring his scientific experiments. Historians have noted that Franklin experimented with electricity, but the specific claim about its use on enslaved individuals is not widely documented. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, argues that the exhibit goes too far in its interpretation of historical events.
Despite the criticism, the Smithsonian has defended the exhibit as an accurate representation of historical research. The institution stated that it aims to present a nuanced view of history, including uncomfortable aspects. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about how to portray historical figures who were involved in slavery or other controversial practices.
Franklin, a renowned statesman, inventor, and writer, owned enslaved people for a time but later became an abolitionist. The exhibit's focus on his experiments and their potential ethical implications has reignited discussions about the legacy of America's founders. The Smithsonian maintains that its goal is to educate the public, not to defame historical figures.