The 14th secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch, has announced his retirement after nearly 38 years of service at the institution.
Bunch, who first joined the Smithsonian in 1978, is retiring as the Trump administration continues its review of the Smithsonian's exhibitions, materials, and operations.
Earlier this summer, for example, the White House released a report criticising the Smithsonian's leadership and accusing the institution of "extreme political activism".
"It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian. I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been," Bunch said in a statement.
Completed in 1855, the Castle in Washington, DC is the Smithsonian Institution's signature building Smithsonian
"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," he added.
"I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward.”
Bunch told the New York Times: "It was really just saying, now’s the time. I have to be honest, it has been stressful. And at a certain point, I’d like to wake up in the morning and not look at my cellphone."
When he was named secretary in June 2019, Bunch became the first African American and first historian to serve in the role in the Smithsonian’s history.
During Bunch's tenure, he has led the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, which includes 21 museums, 20 libraries, and the National Zoo, as well as various research centres and multiple education facilities.
The Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building will be the permanent site of the National Museum of the American Latino Smithsonian
Before becoming the Smithsonian's secretary, Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
When he took on the role in 2005, the museum had no building, collection or funding, and a staff of one. The museum opened on the National Mall in September 2016, and has welcomed more than 13 million visitors.
Bunch’s replacement will be chosen by the Smithsonian’s 17-member board of regents, which is led by John Roberts, the chief justice of the supreme court.
Roberts said Bunch "has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story".
"We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor," Roberts added.
