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Lonnie Bunch Attends Final Smithsonian Board Meeting

The Smithsonian Institution secretary steps down in December following 38 years of service to the organization.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in African-American

Gouache-painted illustration of a minimalist stone museum facade, representing institutional history and the transition of the Smithsonian leadership.
Lonnie Bunch concludes his 38-year Smithsonian career, stepping down as secretary in December following his final board of regents meeting. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Lonnie Bunch, the first Black person and first historian to serve as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, attended his final board of regents meeting on October 26, 2026. Colleagues honored the outgoing leader at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Why it matters

Bunch is concluding a seven-year tenure as secretary and a 38-year career within the Smithsonian system. The institution is currently searching for a successor to lead its 7,000 public servants.

Lonnie Bunch concludes a 38-year tenure with the Smithsonian, having served as secretary for the final seven years. The institution maintains a workforce of 7,000 public servants.

The players

Lonnie Bunch

He is the first Black person and first historian to serve as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Smithsonian Institution

This organization is a group of museums and research centers that employs 7,000 public servants.

The details

Staff members celebrated the secretary by wearing pins that read Thanks a bunch, Lonnie during his final appearance at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The board meeting marks the final official milestone before his planned retirement in December.

Timeline

  1. Lonnie Bunch became secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 2019.

  2. Lonnie Bunch attended his final board of regents meeting on October 26, 2026.

  3. Lonnie Bunch is scheduled to retire in December 2026.

Culture Shift

Lonnie Bunch's retirement follows the historical leadership transition of the Smithsonian Institution. His tenure represents a milestone as the first Black secretary to hold the position.

The leadership change will determine the future direction of the Smithsonian museums and research centers across the United States. Residents and visitors can expect ongoing operations as the institution manages the transition for its 7,000 public servants.

The takeaway

Lonnie Bunch leaves behind a legacy defined by his dual status as the first historian and first Black person to lead the institution. His 38-year journey highlights the importance of sustained dedication to public cultural service.

What happens next

The Smithsonian Institution is actively searching for a replacement for Lonnie Bunch, who is scheduled to officially retire in December 2026.

Further reading

For more on leaders shaping history, visit the African-American section.

Live Poll

Should national museums prioritize inclusive history even when it faces criticism from political leadership?