““I’m not sure what a historian does, but your job ought to be to help people remember, not just what they want to remember, but what they need to remember.” ”
Andrew Harnik/AP
When speaking of the earliest stages of the National Museum of African American History, Lonnie Bunch shared how important our individual experiences are in creating a collective story. As the museum’s Founding Director, he started with no collections, no architect, and a $7.35 donation from his daughter. The task? Figuring out how to fulfill the dreams of many generations.
Approaching its third anniversary this September, the NMAAHC has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. Americans from all backgrounds, and global citizens at large, have recognized its value.
For 35 years, Mr. Bunch has worked as an historian. His career began at the National Air and Space Museum, and later the National Museum of America History. With this level of experience and dedication, it comes as no surprise that has been appointed as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. Bunch succeeds Former Secretary David J. Skorton, and will oversee a staff of 6,800.
“National Museum of African American History and Culture.” National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1 Jan. 1970, nmaahc.si.edu/.
Umoh, Ruth. “Smithsonian Appoints Lonnie Bunch III As Its First African American Secretary.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 29 May 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/ruthumoh/2019/05/28/smithsonian-appoints-lonnie-bunch-iii-as-first-african-american-secretary/#2aafb2235659.