Lonnie bunch biography
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Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th sekreterare of the Smithsonian. He assumed his position June 16, As Secretary, he oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and several education units and centers. Two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in development.
Previously, Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. When he started as director in July , he had one personal member, no collections, no funding and no site for a museum. Driven by optimism, determination and a commitment to build “a place that would make amerika better,” Bunch transformed a vision into a modig reality. The museum has welcomed more than 11 million visitors since it opened in September and has compiled a collection of 40, objects that are housed in the first “green building” on the National Mall. In , the creation of the museum became the first
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Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and former director of the Chicago History Museum, has been named the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian.
As the new leader of the Smithsonian Institution, the organization of 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoo centered in the nation’s capital, “I will work tirelessly to build upon the traditions of the Smithsonian to help America better understand the changing world it faces in the 21st century,” Bunch said at a Tuesday morning press event in Washington announcing him as the successor to David Skorton.
“It is important, I think, for the public to view the Smithsonian not simply as an attic of nostalgia, but as a cauldron of ideas, of innovation and understanding that can be transformative for our country,” added Bunch, 66, who will be the first African American and the first historian to hold the post when he takes over June The NAAMHC will be
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Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian since June 16, He oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and various education units, including the developing National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Prior to becoming secretary, Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, transforming it from a concept with no staff, collections, or funding into a museum that has welcomed over 8 million visitors since its opening.
Before creating the museum, Bunch was president of the Chicago Historical Society, where he led a capital campaign, managed a reorganization, and initiated outreach to diverse communities. He has published books on topics such as the Black military experience, the American presidency, and diversity in museum management. His book, A Fool’s Errand, is a chronicle of the creation of the National Muse