Lonnie Bunch Steps Down After Seven Years | Philadelphia News

Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian’s third secretary and a trailblazing historian, is stepping down after seven years amid widespread respect and political turbulence. At 73, he cited personal readiness—not pressure—to leave, eager to wake up without checking his phone. His tenure was defined by defending the institution’s mission against Trump-era demands to sanitize American history, balancing firm resistance with strategic compromise. A key architect of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bunch plans to transition into teaching or a fellowship. Chief Justice John Roberts hailed his visionary leadership, while the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents now faces the challenge of appointing a new leader amid ongoing political scrutiny. Bunch, shaped by his Black experience, urged America to confront its complex past—and vowed to always stand against efforts to erase it. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d41e71f8c5e187aa