Sep 8, 2026 · 9 min
Smithsonian leader defends history as he prepares to leave
The Smithsonian's leader is stepping down. Where does the Institution go from here?
Lonnie Bunch’s departure raises questions about how the Smithsonian can preserve its independence while presenting America’s history in full.
- 1Lonnie Bunch says age, tenure, writing, and family—not political pressure—shaped his decision to step down.
- 2He argues that honestly presenting slavery and other difficult chapters strengthens rather than diminishes the Smithsonian’s account of America.
- 3Bunch points to the National Museum of African American History and Culture as evidence that broad cooperation can sustain contested history.
Don't miss
Bunch explains why the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s creation demonstrated the possibility of broad cooperation around difficult history.
The brief
Lonnie Bunch is leaving the Smithsonian after a tenure shaped by institution-building and political criticism. He says the decision was personal, driven by age, time served, writing, and family.
Bunch rejects the idea that the Smithsonian’s attention to slavery and painful chapters diminishes America. For him, celebrating the country requires presenting its history honestly and completely.
His clearest legacy is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, whose creation required cooperation across political, racial, and public lines.
Bunch says the Smithsonian’s independence and scholarship must be protected, even as critics challenge its interpretation of American identity and the nation’s past.
Looking ahead, the historian imagines how future scholars will assess this period and urges his successor to preserve the institution’s ability to share its wonders.
Featuring
Mentioned
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Donald John TrumpListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.