November 18 …
Lonnie G. Bunch III is a distinguished American historian, educator, and museum curator who has made groundbreaking contributions to the preservation and interpretation of African American history.
Born on this day in 1952 in Newark, NJ, Bunch grew up in a family that deeply valued education and cultural heritage. This early foundation inspired him to pursue a career centered on illuminating the African American experience and bringing untold stories to the forefront of American history. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in American and African American history from Howard University and American University, respectively.
Bunch began his career in the museum field as a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where he worked to diversify exhibitions and ensure that African American stories were included in the broader narrative of the nation’s development. He quickly gained a reputation for innovative storytelling and an inclusive curatorial approach, traits that would define his career. His passion for making history accessible to the public helped shift museum culture toward a more people-centered, community-informed practice.
One of Bunch’s most significant achievements came in 2005, when he was appointed the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Building a museum from the ground up — on the National Mall, no less — was an enormous task, requiring not only vision but also skill in fundraising, diplomacy, and organizational leadership.
Under Bunch’s direction, the museum amassed a collection of over 36,000 artifacts and raised more than $500 million in public and private support. The museum opened its doors in 2016 to critical acclaim, becoming a cultural landmark and a powerful testament to the resilience and richness of the Black American experience.
The impact of NMAAHC has been far-reaching. It offers a comprehensive, deeply personal account of African American history, from slavery and segregation to the civil rights movement and contemporary culture. Through thoughtful exhibitions and interactive technology, the museum engages visitors in conversations about race, identity, and justice. Bunch’s leadership ensured that the museum did not just display artifacts — it told stories that challenged, educated, and inspired millions of visitors.
In 2019, Bunch made history once again by becoming the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the first African American and the first historian to hold the position. As Secretary, he oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and the National Zoo.
His leadership during a time of national reckoning over race, as well as a global pandemic, has emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue, understanding, and healing. He has continued to advocate for equity and inclusion within the Smithsonian and across the broader museum field.
Lonnie Bunch’s contributions to American education and history are profound. He has not only preserved and shared the African American story but has also transformed how museums engage with the public. Through his visionary leadership, Bunch has made history more inclusive, dynamic, and essential to our national identity.
The work of Lonnie Bunch ensures that future generations will not only learn about the past but understand its relevance in shaping a more just and informed society.
