Merkley Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III

Merkley Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III September 8, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley – the lead Democrat on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which oversees federal funding for the Smithsonian Institution – released the following statement after the Institution announced Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III would be retiring after a five-decade career as a museum leader, historian, and educator: “As Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch sought to make the Institution more than a place for tourists to see artifacts, and he succeeded by ensuring the collections reflect the vastness of the American experience. As the first historian to serve as Secretary, Lonnie brought studied research and independence to extend the Institution’s mission to share America’s journey in all its dimensions with visitors across the country and the world. As his crown jewel, he brought the National Museum of African American History and Culture from an idea to an extraordinary addition to the National Mall, establishing an enduring institution to tell the story of the African-American experience as an integral part of the American experience. “Lonnie’s legacy will be standing up for the Smithsonian’s independence and dedication to telling the whole American story. I congratulate Lonnie on an incredible career – including nearly 40 years at the Smithsonian – and thank him for his leadership and wisdom in telling the complete American story.” As an independent institution, the Smithsonian Board of Regents is responsible for choosing the next Secretary. ###