The legacy that Smithsonian head Lonnie Bunch leaves

NPR | By Andrew Limbong,

Michel Martin

Published September 9, 2026 at 4:44 AM EDT

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced Tuesday that he's retiring at the end of the year. Bunch says his timing has nothing to do with attacks on the Smithsonian from the Trump administration.

Andrew Limbong

Andrew Limbong is a reporter for NPR's Arts Desk.

See stories by Andrew Limbong

Michel Martin

Michel Martin is a host of Morning Edition.

See stories by Michel Martin

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