Lonnie Bunch Will Retire From Smithsonian Institution in 2026

The Smithsonian secretary will step down on December 31, 2026, after a nearly 40-year career with the organization.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in African-American

Lonnie Bunch Will Retire From Smithsonian Institution in 2026

Live Poll

Would you retire early from a high-profile job to spend more time with your family?

Lonnie Bunch has announced he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on December 31, 2026. He is the first African American and first historian to hold the leadership role.

Why it matters

Bunch plans to focus on spending time with his grandchildren in Chicago following his retirement. He also intends to assist museums with storytelling efforts and may pursue teaching at a university level.

The secretary oversees a network of 20 museums, the National Zoo, and various research centers. Bunch concludes a career spanning 40 years of service to the Smithsonian Institution.

The players

Lonnie Bunch

He is the current secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and a noted historian.

Smithsonian Institution

It is a massive complex of museums, education, and research centers based in Washington, D.C.

Chicago Historical Society

This is a historic institution where Bunch previously served as president and director.

The details

Bunch first joined the Smithsonian in 1978 and later served as president and director of the Chicago Historical Society. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which he began leading in 2005 before its 2016 opening.

1978: Bunch started his Smithsonian career at the National Air and Space Museum.
2005: Bunch began leading the National Museum of African American History and Culture project.
2016: The National Museum of African American History and Culture was completed.
2019: Bunch was named secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
December 31, 2026: Bunch will step down from the secretary position.

Roadmap

The transition marks a significant moment for the Smithsonian Institution as it moves toward its next chapter of curatorial leadership. This change follows a tenure marked by the expansion of historical narratives and institutional reach.

Visitors to the Smithsonian museums will see no immediate changes to operations or exhibits through the end of 2026. The shift allows the institution to begin planning for a successor to oversee its extensive public history programming.

The takeaway

Lonnie Bunch leaves a legacy rooted in nearly four decades of public history service and museum development. His departure highlights the importance of historical storytelling in shaping how institutions engage with diverse audiences.