Enola Gay Controversy

Was the atomic bomb necessary to secure a surrender from Japan? The academic historians vary in their answers to this questions, which in turn sparked the idea for the Enola Gay exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum. In 1995, the curators and staff attempted to raise the academic standards of the museum by incorporating controversy into the museum experience. It juxtaposed the creation and restoration process of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress air-carrier that transported the atomic bomb against an unforgiving narrative of the aircrafts role in securing the victory over the Japanese. After years of outside parties protesting the exhibit, it was closed by the museum in 1998 following the ruined careers of almost all staff associated
In 1946, President Truman established the museum to memorialize the development of aviation. Additionally, the lack of Air Force memorials caused the military members to bind themselves to the museum as their memorial. It grew into a key way of forming interest in the newly formed air and space programs of the US government after the war. It held a leading role in the development of Rocketry and worked with the government to present the aircraft and rocketry marvels of the United
Other than the historical associations and peace advocates, few historical professions published on the work. Good public history relies on the ability of the curator to objectively present the question and findings. Sometimes, it differs from the overall opinion. In these situations, forming a defense that fosters discussion and recognition of both arguments enables the radical historian to relate to the public. For example, historians act as expert witnesses on a period by presenting the facts and social commentaries. This allows them to remain objective in spite of pressures pulling them towards a particular