Lonnie G. Bunch III, renowned historian and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, expresses his deep appreciation for history each time he visits the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Among the museum’s collection, the 1903 Wright Brothers flyer holds special significance for him, proudly exclaiming that the original piece is held at the Smithsonian.
At present, Bunch oversees 20 museums and the National Zoo, marking a historic shift when he became the first African American and first historian in his role in 2019. His contributions have dovetailed with the Smithsonian championing progress and change.
“We are in a place where Frederick Douglass was once silenced, yet we speak now from a stage that signifies this institution’s evolution,” Bunch noted at his installation. “Nothing is impossible.”
Bunch’s commitment to storytelling, no matter how difficult, has been steadfast. He likened incomplete narratives to a partial medical diagnosis that leaves one’s understanding deficient.
Under Bunch’s leadership, the Smithsonian faced challenges. Two years ago, President Trump criticized its focus on divisive ideologies and threatened funding withdrawal. The administration further questioned the Smithsonian’s commitment to honoring the nation’s heritage, prompting Bunch to defend the institution’s dedication to its narrative.
Confronted with accusations, Bunch emphasized the institution’s complexity. “Could stories be told more expansively? Sure. But to say there isn’t acknowledgment of the Founding Fathers’ special nature is misguided.”
Bunch’s patriotism, rooted in his family’s service in World War II, emphasized understanding history’s entirety. His leadership birthed the National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrating its tenth anniversary.
His vision for the Smithsonian remains steadfast: comprehending America’s full historical picture through courage and dedication to the institution’s legacy.
Bunch will leave his position at year’s end, stressing that the Smithsonian will echo America’s collective memory.
“You don’t want to be a nation that forgets,” Bunch concluded.
Watch the extended interview with Lonnie G. Bunch III to gain more insights into his views and legacy.
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