*Lonnie Bunch III has been named the founding director of Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
He is the 14th person to spearhead this department and is also the first Black person ever to be appointed for this position in the 173 years since the research complex and museum has been erect.
First Historian to Ascend to this Position
Alongside being the first African American to hold this position, Bunch has also managed to become the first ever secretary who is actually a historian as well. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field and there is no doubt about the fact that he deserves this responsibility.
Since 1945, he is also the first ever director of the Smithsonian Institute that managed to become a secretary. Before this, Bunch was the education specialist for the National Space and Air Museum in the ‘70s. After this, he worked in the office for curatorial affairs at the National Museum of American History from 1989 to 2000.
A Cauldron of Innovation and Ideas
When interviewed about his newly appointed position, Lonnie Bunch said that this was a really emotional moment for him. He said that working at the Smithsonian meant a lot to him – both professionally and personally.
He continued in his interview saying that people shouldn’t just view the Smithsonian as an addict of nostalgia. He wants people to view the Smithsonian Institute as a cauldron for innovation and ideas while understanding that it can be really transformative for the country as a whole.
As of June 16th
On this day, the 66-year-old Bunch will have received the title of the head of all day-to-day administrative activities for over 21 libraries, 19 museums, the National Zoo, and so many more operations within the Smithsonian Institute.
The Smithsonian had also taken to their social media to say, “We are thrilled to announce that our Board of Regents has elected Lonnie G. Bunch III as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, effective June 16. The founding director of our @NMAAHC, Bunch brings a reputation for compelling scholarship and visionary leadership.”
Well, we are really proud of Lonnie Bunch and we are sure that the Smithsonian Institute is in great hands! We would also like to wish the best of luck to him!
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