Bunch was the first director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The founding director of the Smithsonian’s museum about African American history will now lead the entire system of museums and parks.
The Smithsonian Institution on Monday named Lonnie Bunch as its 14th secretary. Bunch was the first director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
He’ll now lead the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoological Park. Bunch becomes the first African American to lead the Smithsonian, beginning his new position June 16. He’ll be replaced as interim director by Spencer Crew.
Bunch was hired in 2005 and shepherded the collection of more than 40,000 items and the creation of the museum on the National Mall. It opened in 2016.
Before heading to Washington, Bunch was in charge of the Chicago Historical Society from 2001 to 2005.
“I realized that building this museum and getting it right could nurture the souls of our ancestors. That became too powerful for me to overcome,” Bunch said of making the decision to create the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
