Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announces retirement

WASHINGTON (7News) — The 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch, is retiring after nearly four decades with the museum.

“It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian,” Bunch said in a statement. “I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been. There is no place like the Smithsonian—it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together.”

SEE ALSO | The museum behind the museum: A look inside Smithsonian’s support center

Bunch has served as secretary since 2019, making him the first African American and first historian to serve in the role in the Smithsonian’s history, according to a news release.

Before becoming Secretary, Bunch served as the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, stepping into the role in 2005 with next to no resources. He guided the museum from concept to reality with its opening in 2016, according to the release.

Bunch first joined the Smithsonian in 1978, starting at the National Air and Space Museum and then serving in several positions at the National Museum of American History.

“From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian’s top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story,” Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts said in a statement.

The Smithsonian did not say when Bunch would officially step down or who may take his place, only saying that additional details will be released at a later date.

“It is time for my next chapter, a chapter that will allow me to continue to protect the integrity of the Smithsonian and to champion the importance of a history that illuminates and celebrates the complex story of our nation,” Bunch said in a statement. “I will always carry the Smithsonian within me.”