At our 2026 Symposium in New Orleans, Dr. Dana Kuhn shared his personal journey and experience during the “bad blood” era, and brought forward the memories of those who worked so hard and committed so much for the community, and the need that HFA never forget their contributions and sacrifices. This also raised questions about the status of HFA’s Smithsonian Institution’s project from 2019.
HFA solicited donations from the community that could be given to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History archives with the intent that these items could contribute to an exhibition that was originally scheduled to open in 2021, titled “In Sickness and In Health.”
These items were also donated with the intent that they be part of a website aimed at increasing awareness of the history of and other topics related to health, blood, and blood disorders. In addition to the contribution of items from the community, HFA also provided a donation to the Smithsonian.
As everyone knows, COVID disrupted many plans and to our knowledge the planned exhibit did not happen nor are we aware of a related website. Understandingly, committee members are unhappy about a lack of knowledge regarding the donations made to the Smithsonian and lack of action on the part of Smithsonian staff.
During Symposium April 17-19, 2026, HFA Past Board Chair Luke Runion agreed to pursue a meeting with Smithsonian staff and determine the status of the exhibit, website and plans for the items donated by HFA. Luke Runion, Diane Lima (current HFA Board Chair), and I met with representatives from the Smithsonian who were very forthcoming about the challenges they have experienced in completing multiple projects.
These changes included COVID, reduced staffing, changes in administrations, and currently the 250th festivities since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The representatives were very apologetic about the delays in completing the project but believe the website could be completed by year end. They are also looking into dates for a reception that interested individuals could attend. The updates from the Smithsonian were made with complete candor and HFA has confidence they will follow-up on their promises. This update from the Smithsonian is especially relevant given the recent announcement by the University of California—San Francisco of an anonymous gift to preserve the historical records of the Committee of Ten Thousand (COTT).
HFA knows community members are concerned about the status of donations made to the Smithsonian and promises that might have been made at the time. Myself, the HFA Board and staff are working to assure that the community legacy is not forgotten and that future generations recognize the efforts of those who went before them in assuring blood safety.
—Dan Kelsey, HFA CEO
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