The outgoing leader of the Smithsonian Institution has strongly defended the museum against accusations of being unpatriotic, emphasizing that presenting the full, often difficult truths of history is essential for national understanding. Speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the secretary framed such storytelling as an act of civic devotion rather than division. A crowd of attendees responded with a standing ovation, underscoring broad support for the institution’s commitment to unfiltered historical narratives. The remarks come amid ongoing political debates over how history is interpreted and displayed in public institutions.
Outgoing secretary Lonnie Bunch rejects claims the institution is unpatriotic, telling audience ‘You cannot understand all without illuminating the dark corners’Lonnie Bunch, the outgoing secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has defended the organisation against political interference, insisting that telling the unvarnished and complex truths of history is an act of “great love” for the country.Speaking on Friday at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Bunch received a standing ovation from hundreds of audience members and rejected claims that the institution’s staff or exhibitions were unpatriotic. Continue reading...
