The Real Legacy of Lonnie Bunch

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 73-year-old former director of the Smithsonian Institution, will be stepping down at the end of this year, announcing his retirement with a sense of duty and conviction that he was the best person to guide the institution through a turbulent period. Bunch, who served as the Smithsonian’s top official from 2019 to 2026, has been hailed as the glue keeping the sprawling institution together, navigating the challenges brought about by the Trump administration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since his appointment as the Smithsonian’s 14th secretary and the first historian and Black man to hold the position, Bunch has shown principled stances and deft political skills, maintaining the institution on its mission and aligning it with public interests. Chief Justice John Roberts praised Bunch for pursuing excellence in the telling of the nation’s story, and the Smithsonian benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision, and leadership.

Bunch, who has worked at the Smithsonian since 1978, also led the successful launch and operation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has been hugely popular since its opening in 2016.

Despite the challenges faced since Trump’s return to power, Bunch has remained calm and compassionate, negotiating compromises when appropriate, but never giving in to bullying. He has faced pressure to overhaul the Smithsonian’s presentations to rid them of perceived liberal bias, as well as threats to cut funding and erect warning signs in front of the National Museum of American History.

However, Bunch has managed to steer the institution through these tumultuous times, ensuring its mission remains intact and its message of telling the American story resonates with the public.