Lonnie Bunch III
Person
American historian, curator, and museum administrator who became the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and later served as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He announced plans to retire at the end of 2026.
4 episodes featuring Lonnie Bunch III
Morning Wire
9/11 ceremony dispute collides with abortion-pill court fight
The episode connects a political backlash over remembrance and historical interpretation with a court case that could reshape access to mifepristone by mail.
Sep 9, 2026 · 23 min
Up First from NPR
U.S.-Iran strikes widen risks from the Gulf to Washington
The episode connects military escalation, pressure on Israeli settlements, and political strain at the Smithsonian to broader questions about regional security and public institutions.
Sep 9, 2026 · 15 min
WSJ What’s News
AI’s math breakthrough meets a tougher test: real-world adoption
The episode connects AI’s push into advanced mathematics with geopolitical, economic, and demographic pressures reshaping business and public life.
Sep 8, 2026 · 10 min
Consider This from NPR
Smithsonian leader defends history as he prepares to leave
Lonnie Bunch’s departure raises questions about how the Smithsonian can preserve its independence while presenting America’s history in full.
Sep 8, 2026 · 9 min