Kerby Anderson

A few months ago, I provided some commentary on the New York Times 1619 Project that attempts to “reframe” American history. The authors suggest we begin America’s history in the year African slaves were first brought to America. In other words, the “true founding” of America was not in 1776 with liberty but in 1619 with slavery.

Over the last few months, a number of respected historians in America have had very critical comments about the New York Times endeavor. Jarrett Stepman, author of The War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America’s Past, has collected the opinions of these historians.

Allen Guelzo is a renowned historian and professor at Gettysburg College. He called the 1619 Project an example of bad history wrapped in destructive ideology. He added that it amounted to a “conspiracy theory” that is attempting to “tarnish capitalism.”

Gordon Wood is a well-known historian of the American Revolution. I have a number of his books on my shelf. He has criticized the 1619 Project in a number of interviews. He said he was surprised that the New York Times could be “so wrong in so many ways.” He is also concerned that the material is “going out into the schools with the authority of the New York Times behind it.” He fears it will “color the views of all these youngsters who will receive the message of the 1619 Project.”

James McPherson is another respected historian. He observed that the project “left most of the history out” and was appalled that it was put together by “people who did not have a good knowledge of the subject.”

It would be wise for you to check and see if the 1619 Project is being used in the public schools near you. As you can see, this is a biased and inaccurate history of America that unfortunately was given some credibility because it is associated with the New York Times.