The news earlier this week that Lonnie Bunch will step down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution hit hard across the museum/public history world and beyond. You simply won’t find a more devoted public servant, who understood the place of museums in public life and the importance, specifically, of working to tell the stories of all Americans across the humanities and sciences.
Many people are rightfully worried about who will succeed Bunch in his role given the intense political scrutiny and outright hostility of the Trump administration over the past roughly 20 months. The Washington Post offers a helpful overview of the process in place for selecting his replacement.
In his letter of resignation, Bunch recounts his long career in public history and his time at the Smithsonian from learning his craft at the National Air & Space Museum to founding the National Museum of African American History & Culture to serving as the agency’s director. It was clearly a labor of love for Bunch.
I am pleased that Bunch plans to continue to defend the integrity of the Smithsonian in the “next chapter” of his life, but it goes without saying that the fight was never his alone. It falls on all of us to stand up for museums and the important work that they do in our communities.
Here in Boston, on the same day that Bunch announced his retirement, the Museum of African American History announced that they “laid off three director-level positions…, a staff reduction that affects its curatorial, development, and learning and engagement departments.” The museum is no stranger to financial setbacks, but they have been exacerbated owing to the Trump administration’s efforts to redirect much needed grant money and other funds from institutions that showcase history that is deemed to be problematic.
In other words, African-American history.
Back in July, the International African American Museum announced a furlough of its entire staff over a six-month period. The museum had been in operation for a little over three years before this announcement was made.
There are others.
While the focus on who will succeed Bunch will occupy the media for the foreseeable future, it is important to remember that the fight for honest and inclusive history has always been a local one. This is not, in any way, to minimize the importance of the Smithsonian or the Trump administration’s assault on history.
It is simply a reminder that all of us can make a difference by supporting local museums and other institutions.
Visit, become a volunteer, become a member…
In related news, I wanted to remind all of you that on September 26 groups are rallying in support of history. It’s called “We Want More History!” A wide range of events are taking place across the country and there is still time to organize an event in your community. This is a great opportunity to make a statement and stand up for the history that matters to you and your community.
