Heritage Foundation Maps Historic Sites

The Heritage Foundation's guide evaluates sites on criteria including "accuracy and comprehension," "ideological bias," and "consideration for families." Each location receives a letter grade: 'A' for upholding scholarly standards, 'B' for occasional deviations, and 'C' for what the foundation deems a "pervasive neglect of comprehensiveness, accuracy, and proportionality, or even actively distort[ing] the subject matter." The evaluators are described as "reputable scholars, teachers, and analysts," and their names are attached to each evaluation on the foundation's website. One of the most critical reviews was given to James Madison's Montpelier, which received a 'C' grade. The foundation's review cited a "notable lack of focus on James Madison" and claimed the site's exhibits inaccurately portray the Constitution as a pro-slavery document. Critics of the guide argue that this rating and others penalize museums for incorporating modern scholarship on topics like slavery and race, which they see as a best practice in public history. The initiative is timed to coincide with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, a historian, stated that the guide is intended to help American families enjoy historic sites "without the Left's anti-American and ahistoric narratives." This guide is part of a broader effort by the Heritage Foundation known as "Project 2025." This project aims to create a policy playbook and personnel database for a potential conservative presidential administration. The guide to historic sites aligns with the project's goal of influencing American culture and education.