Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show Opens Sept. 25 in the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement DillardKL Tue., 09.08.2026 | 11:54 am Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced today he will retire from his position, concluding nearly 38 years of service at the Smithsonian and a career that has shaped the museum field in the United States and beyond. “It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian,” Bunch said. “I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been. There is no place like the Smithsonian—it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together. I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward.” Bunch was named Secretary in June 2019, making him the first African American and first historian to serve in the role in the Smithsonian’s history. As Secretary, he led the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, which includes 21 museums, 20 libraries, the National Zoo, nume