Lonnie Bunch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lonnie Bunch
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| 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution | |
| Assumed office June 16, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | David J. Skorton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 18, 1952 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Howard University American University (BA, MA, PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
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Lonnie Griffith Bunch III, born on November 18, 1952, is an American teacher and historian. He is the fourteenth leader, or Secretary, of the Smithsonian Institution. This makes him the first African American and the first historian to hold this important position. Lonnie Bunch has spent most of his career working in history museums. He has been a curator, which means he helps choose and organize museum exhibits, and also a leader.
Before becoming the Smithsonian's Secretary, Mr. Bunch was the first director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). He led this museum from 2005 to 2019. He also served as president of the Chicago History Museum from 2000 to 2005. In the 1980s, he was the first curator at the California African American Museum. Later, he worked at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
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Lonnie Bunch's Early Life
Lonnie Bunch was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1952. His parents were both public school teachers. His father taught science and chemistry. His mother taught third grade. Both of his parents went to Shaw University, which is one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the South.
Growing Up in Belleville
Lonnie grew up in Belleville, New Jersey. His family was the only African American family in their neighborhood. His grandfather, who used to be a sharecropper, became one of the first Black dentists in the area. As a child, Lonnie experienced racism from some white teenagers.
Discovering a Love for History
Mr. Bunch says his childhood experiences helped him want to study history. He wanted to tell the stories of people who were "anonymous" or not often written about. He remembers reading biographies in junior high. He wondered why there were no histories about Black people. One day, he found a book about Black soldiers in the First World War in his grandfather's trunk. He read it all.
Education and Learning
Lonnie Bunch graduated from Belleville High School in 1970. He first attended Howard University. Then, he transferred to American University in Washington, D.C.. There, he earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees. His studies focused on American and African-American history.
Lonnie Bunch's Career Journey
Lonnie Bunch started working at the Smithsonian Institution while he was still getting his master's degree. After finishing his studies, he became a history professor at the University of Maryland.
Working in Museums
In 1983, he became the first curator at the California African American Museum. From 1989 to 1994, he worked as a curator at the National Museum of American History. He also taught at The George Washington University from 1990 to 2000. He was promoted to a leadership role at the museum.
In 2000, he left to become the president of the Chicago Historical Society, now called the Chicago History Museum. He led this museum from 2001 to 2005. In Chicago, he helped raise money for the museum. He also worked to connect with many different communities. One popular exhibit he helped create was called Teen Chicago. It focused on the lives of teenagers.
Leading the African American History Museum
In 2005, Lonnie Bunch was chosen to be the director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture. As the first director, he planned traveling exhibits and public events. These events happened before the museum even opened its doors.
Serving the White House
He also served on a special group that helped preserve the White House. This was during the time of President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama reappointed him to this group in 2010.
Becoming Smithsonian Secretary
On May 28, 2019, Lonnie Bunch was chosen to be the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He started his new job on June 16, 2019. He is the first historian and the first African American to lead the Smithsonian in its long history.
Important Exhibits and Research
Lonnie Bunch helped create a special exhibit at the National Museum of American History. It was called The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden. This exhibit was put together and opened in just eight months.
Awards and Honors
Lonnie Bunch has received many awards for his work. Some of these include:
- 2011: Jackie Robinson Society Community Recognition Award
- 2017: Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- 2017: The NAACP's President's Award
- 2018: Choral Arts Society of Washington Humanitarian Award
- 2018: Phi Beta Kappa Award for Distinguished Service to Humanity
- 2019: An honorary degree from Brown University
- 2020: Dan David Prize
- 2022: Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement
- 2023: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Yale University
