Filipino-American curator helps in Smithsonian 250th exhibit

By Josie Moralidad Ziman

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Filipino American scholar and curator Theodore S. Gonzalves is helping lead one of the Smithsonian Institution’s major exhibitions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the National Museum of American History.

Gonzalves serves as project director of “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” a landmark exhibition that explores the American story through 250 historic objects and stories representing generations of people, communities, and defining moments in U.S. history.

During a special media tour organized by the Foreign Press Center of the U.S. Department of State, Gonzalves shared that his family roots trace back to Cebu and Iloilo in the Philippines.

The exhibition spans all three public floors of the museum and features artifacts connected to America’s journey from the 18th century to the present day.

Among the featured objects are the desk Thomas Jefferson used in drafting the Declaration of Independence, the Star-Spangled Banner, Revolutionary War artifacts, and items connected to modern American history.

The Smithsonian said the exhibition includes 76 objects that have rarely or never been displayed publicly.

The exhibition is being led by a team of Smithsonian historians, educators, and museum leaders.

Among them is Anthea M. Hartig, Ph.D., the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History and the first woman to hold the position since the museum opened in 1964.

Hartig oversees more than 200 employees and a collection of more than 1.7 million objects, and is recognized for making American history more accessible and relevant to diverse communities.

Also involved in the project is Megan Howell Smith, head of experience development and chair of the museum’s 250th Coordinating Committee.

Smith helped develop some of the Smithsonian’s innovative public learning spaces and interactive exhibits focused on American identity and civic engagement.

Kenneth Cohen, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Military and Society and curator of early America, also contributed to the exhibition.

Cohen is known for his scholarship on the Revolutionary Era and serves as the historical research lead on the Gunboat Philadelphia Preservation Project, one of the featured stories connected to the American Revolution.

During the presentation, Gonzalves said the exhibition highlights “250 stories — bold visions and dreams both fulfilled and deferred” that reflect the continuing pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and equality throughout American history.

The exhibition was created as part of the nationwide commemoration leading to America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the ideals of life, liberty, and happiness through artifacts, interactive experiences, tours, performances, and educational programs throughout the museum.

For many Filipino Americans, Gonzalves’ leadership in one of the Smithsonian’s largest national exhibitions reflects the growing contributions of Filipino Americans to education, arts, culture, and public service in the United States.

“In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness” is now open to the public at the National Museum of American History.

Admission is free.