Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement

Lonnie G. Bunch III has announced his retirement after seven years as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, marking the end of a nearly half-century career with the institution.

Bunch, who was appointed Secretary in 2019, previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He will continue in his role through the end of the year, with the Smithsonian Board of Regents responsible for selecting his successor.

During his tenure, Bunch oversaw the addition of two new museums: the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino. The latter will be housed in the historic Arts and Industries Building.

He also spearheaded a significant digital transformation of the Smithsonian, enhancing online resources and educational tools, which proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bunch began his career at the Smithsonian in the late 1970s, holding various roles before leaving and returning multiple times, including a significant period at the National Museum of American History where he curated the exhibition on the American presidency.

His return to the Smithsonian to establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016, is considered by Bunch to be the high point of his career.

Bunch expressed pride in the accomplishments made during his leadership and confidence in the institution's future, stating his desire to continue championing the importance of history in understanding the nation's complex story.

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