Inside The Blacksonian With Lonnie Bunch

The Smithsonian museums, like so many public spaces, have been closed down for more than a year now. Buildings that were once overflowing with admirers of art, history and science are now largely empty. Before the pandemic hit the U.S., the National Museum of African American History and Culture was one of D.C.'s most sought after destinations. So we decided to ask for a private (virtual) tour from Lonnie G. Bunch III, the creator of the Blacksonian and the current Secretary of the Smithsonian (translation: he runs the place — all 19 museums, 21 libraries and the National Zoo).

I talked to Lonnie Bunch about how he first became interested in museums, how the coronavirus is affecting the Smithsonians, and about how he turned entry into the Blacksonian into the hottest ticket in town. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

When you were little, you were interested in museums. Why?

When I was 10 or 11 years old, it was the centennial of the Civil War. And I, like many kids, wanted to know about Rebels and Yankees. Once, my family