As America celebrates its 250th, Smithsonian leader Lonnie Bunch treads a fine political line
As America celebrates its 250th, Smithsonian leader Lonnie Bunch treads a fine political line
As America celebrates its 250th Smithsonian – Throughout the past year, Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution, has found himself in the midst of a political storm. The prestigious museum complex, which has long served as a cornerstone for interpreting American history, has faced mounting pressure from the Trump administration to align its exhibits with a more conservative historical perspective. Despite these challenges, Bunch has maintained that the Smithsonian remains committed to its core mission of scholarly integrity. In a recent interview, he emphasized the institution’s ability to retain independence while accommodating the White House’s demands for review. “We wait to hear,” he said, reflecting on the ongoing dialogue between the museum and the current administration. Though the White House has not yet requested specific revisions, Bunch acknowledged that the Smithsonian has “given everything that’s been asked” during its evaluation process.
Curating a Nation’s Legacy Amidst Political Tensions
Bunch, the first Black American to lead the Smithsonian, has taken a proactive role in shaping the institution’s narrative. His latest exhibition, “American Aspirations,” marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and opens June 2 at the Smithsonian castle. This iconic venue, which had been closed for renovations since 2023, will temporarily reopen to host the display. The exhibition aims to capture the evolving story of America by showcasing artifacts that reflect its ideals, ambitions, and contradictions. Among the featured items is the desk where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, a symbol of the nation’s early revolutionary spirit. Other highlights include Amelia Earhart’s flight suit, a poster authored by abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and the first gold nugget discovered during the California gold rush of 1848.
“My goal is that history is driven by scholarship, not partisanship,” Bunch said. “The Smithsonian always does its own scholarship. It’s always driven by that. We have always worked with different administrations, but it’s always about what our scholarship tells us.”
While the exhibition is not immune to political scrutiny, Bunch stressed that it is designed to present a balanced view of American history. He highlighted the inclusion of the Statue of Liberty’s early model, a choice that underscores the interplay between national identity and social progress. “It was initially created because people in France were so impressed that America ended slavery,” he explained. “So really what you want people to understand is how this is all interconnected. And that’s why it’s so beautiful to me.” The broken shackles at the statue’s feet, he noted, represent a shift from past struggles to future aspirations. This symbolism aligns with the exhibition’s broader theme of America’s journey toward a more inclusive vision.
Highlighting Fragile Moments in History
The display also features items that are particularly sensitive due to their fragility. The original handwritten draft of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, on loan from Villanova University, and Harriet Tubman’s hymnal will be showcased in a limited capacity. Bunch explained that these objects require careful handling, making their inclusion a deliberate effort to preserve their historical significance. “The great importance of the Smithsonian is that what we want people to do is grapple with nuance and complexity,” he said. The exhibition, he added, is not merely a catalog of achievements but a reflection of the nation’s continuous striving for improvement.
Bunch’s approach has drawn both praise and criticism. While some argue that the Smithsonian has become a battleground for ideological battles, others view its role as essential in fostering critical engagement with history. The Trump administration, in particular, has criticized the institution for its focus on America’s flaws. In a social media post last August, former President Donald Trump accused the Smithsonian of being “OUT OF CONTROL,” lamenting that its narratives overly emphasize the “horrible” aspects of the country, such as the brutal realities of slavery and the challenges faced by marginalized groups. He claimed the institution neglects “Success, Brightness, and the Future,” framing its work as one-sided.
“Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” Trump wrote. “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL.”
Despite these critiques, Bunch remains confident in the Smithsonian’s ability to navigate such pressures. “There are always changes because basically there are exhibits that get upgraded,” he said. “But the essence of our work is rooted in scholarship, not political agenda.” His assertion that the exhibition is “not a story of just slavery” but a broader narrative of America’s progress resonates with the institution’s commitment to telling a multifaceted history. “America is a work in progress,” he added. “Its greatest strength is not to think that it’s arrived at the promised land but … we continue to do the work towards a better America.”
A Reflection of National Ambitions and Struggles
“American Aspirations” is more than a collection of artifacts; it is a curated exploration of the nation’s aspirations and the obstacles it has overcome. By featuring objects that span centuries of history, Bunch seeks to illustrate how America’s story is shaped by both its triumphs and its contradictions. For instance, the inclusion of the California gold nugget, a symbol of economic ambition, contrasts with Frederick Douglass’s poster, which highlights the moral struggles of the abolitionist movement. This juxtaposition, Bunch explained, is intentional, as it captures the duality of American progress—how the nation has continually adapted to reflect its evolving values.
The exhibition’s timing is significant, coinciding with a period of heightened political discourse. Critics of the Trump administration have accused it of undermining democratic ideals through policies that prioritize tradition over inclusivity. In this context, the Smithsonian’s focus on hope and aspiration takes on added importance. Bunch’s insistence on maintaining scholarly autonomy underscores his belief in the museum’s role as a neutral arbiter of history. “We are not just reflecting the past,” he said. “We are offering a lens through which people can understand how America has grown from its origins to its present state.”
As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian’s efforts to balance historical accuracy with contemporary relevance will be closely watched. Bunch’s ability to navigate these challenges while preserving the institution’s integrity is a testament to his leadership. Whether the exhibition is seen as a triumph of scholarship or a reflection of partisan priorities, it serves as a reminder that history is not static—it is a living, evolving conversation. For Bunch, this conversation is about progress, not perfection. “We are not perfect,” he acknowledged. “But we are committed to telling the story that America deserves.”
