Staff Reports
A recent behind-the-scenes tour of the National Archives has reignited a crucial debate about government transparency and public access to America’s most consequential historical artifacts. While the Archives touts its commitment to openness, visitors were surprised to learn that many extraordinary pieces of history—including the shirt worn by Lee Harvey Oswald when he was killed, bullet casings from the JFK and RFK assassinations, and even the camera that filmed President Kennedy’s final moments—remain locked away from public view. The simple question, “Why aren’t these on display?” was met with bureaucratic shrugs, highlighting the inertia that too often defines our federal institutions.
This lack of initiative is especially troubling given the current administration’s repeated claims of transparency. Americans are told the government is working hard to make history accessible, yet the reality is that much of our national story is kept behind closed doors. The National Archives has announced new open government plans and annual forums on transparency, but these efforts ring hollow when the most captivating and educational artifacts are still hidden. It’s a pattern we’ve seen before: grand promises of openness, followed by little real change.
Recent actions by President Trump, however, have begun to challenge this status quo. His administration has ordered the release of thousands of pages of previously classified files related to both the JFK and RFK assassinations, moves that have been praised by figures across the political spectrum for restoring trust and shedding light on pivotal moments in our history. The decision to declassify these documents was not just a symbolic gesture; it was a concrete step toward giving Americans the full story, unfiltered by government gatekeepers. This is the kind of leadership that puts the interests of the people first and recognizes that history belongs to all of us, not just to a handful of bureaucrats.
The presence of artifacts like the “MLK files” in the Archives’ vaults further underscores the need for a proactive approach to transparency. Americans deserve the opportunity to engage with the real, tangible evidence of our shared past, not just sanitized summaries or selective exhibits. These items are not mere curiosities; they are vital tools for education, reflection, and accountability. Keeping them under lock and key does a disservice to every citizen who values the lessons of history and the principles of open government.
If our leaders are serious about fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, the solution is clear: open the vaults and let the American people see their history. The time for excuses and bureaucratic foot-dragging is over. It’s time to trust the public with the truth, embrace real transparency, and finally make these priceless artifacts accessible to all. Only then can we ensure that our history is preserved, understood, and honored—not just by a select few, but by every American who seeks to learn from it.
