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The Smithsonian Institution established by Congress in 1846 is the world's largest museum education

and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length

from the White House,

but the Smithsonian now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration.

Our senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports now on how a group of citizen historians are responding to the administration's moves.

Part of our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our

Canvas Arts coverage.

On a recent weekend, Virginia resident Barbara Michelman went to her favorite Smithsonian Museum

in nearby Washington, D.C. The Hirshorn, renowned for its collection and exhibitions of contemporary art.

The art there is unlike anything I ever saw in books or magazines in school growing up.

But this was no ordinary visit.

Instead of viewing the art, this time she was there to document it.

When I saw the request for volunteers, I thought art is one of the first things to be attacked.

And this seemed like a direct action for something that I feel is worth protecting, which

is freedom of artistic expression.

Armed with her cell phone camera, Michaelman carried out her assignment, photographing all art

and signage in one section of the Hirshorn, including works by Jackson Pollock and Janet Sobel,

...