Podcast appearances and mentions of Lonnie Bunch

Legendary historian and the first Black secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie Bunch, joins The Blackest Questions for an intimate one-on-one discussion about some of the country's forgotten Black historical figures. Bunch talks about his heroes and gets candid about what needs to change in museum leadership across the board. He also describes the hurdles and setbacks of opening the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He explains what it was like to be an integral part of such a significant project. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 was one of the most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in U.S. history and helped till the ground for passage of federal civil rights legislation. This weekend, thousands gathered for the 60th anniversary to remind the nation of its unfinished goals. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Lonnie Bunch and Janai Nelson. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 was one of the most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in U.S. history and helped till the ground for passage of federal civil rights legislation. This weekend, thousands gathered for the 60th anniversary to remind the nation of its unfinished goals. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Lonnie Bunch and Janai Nelson. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Smithsonian Secretary and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch joins Major for lunch at the museum's cafeteria, Sweet Home Cafe. Bunch, an accomplished historian, explains the some of the museum's vast offerings and tackles contemporary issues like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' push to eliminate a black history course in his state's high schools. Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This country is once again dealing with more mass shootings, two as a matter of fact: one in Buffalo at a grocery store and one in California at a church. The mass shooting in Buffalo resulted in 10 people killed, and the majority killed were Black. The suspect, an 18-year-old White man, has a record of suspicious behavior and was said to be in Buffalo the day before the shooting took place. He actually drove 200 miles from his hometown near the Pennsylvania border to Buffalo. And to add insult to injury, Tucker Carlson states that the "Great Replacement" theory is already happening, meaning the exodus of white people is happening (another conspiracy theory). Also, Lonnie Bunch, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, discusses a new policy on ethical returns. 

Our December Speaker Series speaker is Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. He assumed his position June 16, 2019. As Secretary, he oversees 21 museums, including two new museums in development—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and is the first historian to be Secretary of the Institution.

Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch joins Margaret Hoover at the start of Black History Month for a discussion on the importance of studying a complete history and his continued work to preserve the American story for the next generation. Bunch is the Smithsonian's 14th secretary and is the first Black leader and the first historian to oversee the world's largest museum, education and research institution. As founding director, he was the driving force behind the creation of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. He describes in vivid detail the power of receiving some of the artifacts, including objects from the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Bunch discusses his personal story, the role museums should play in society and the challenge of contextualizing complex and, often, dark history. He also reacts to President Biden's commitment to nominating a Black woman for the Supreme Court and tells Hoover what gives him hope for the future. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, Asness Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.

Lonnie Bunch, former history professor and Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, made his own history in 2019 when he became the first Black Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

 On this episode of, Just Conversations, Dean Douglas speaks with Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. In this conversation, Dean Douglas will explore Dr. Bunch's former role as director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the importance of telling an accurate and truthful account of American history. In addition, they will discuss criticisms the museum faced and some of the parallels of the criticisms that The 1619 Project has faced since its publishing.

Topics discussed include:The greatest inspiration and mentor to Ellen The importance of a pack- a community to lean onSponsorship versus MentorshipRenovations at the Air and Space Museum

What if finding your voice helped heal a nation? In this episode, host Alicia Burke sits down with Lonnie Bunch to discuss developing his passion for history and finding his calling at the Smithsonian. It's a conversation that encompasses both his journey and present-day work showcasing objects that tell the stories of African American lives.

As the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Lonnie Bunch was responsible for creating a museum that started with no objects, no staff, no building – not even a location for the building. Since opening in September 2016, the museum has welcomed 6 million visitors. In this episode, he discusses how he created a space that tells stories of tragedy and triumph, hardship and resilience. We'll also discuss several timely issues related to race in America and his still acute imposter syndrome. GUEST Lonnie Bunch is the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the first African American and first historian to serve in that role. Prior to becoming Secretary, Lonnie was the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Considered one of the most influential museum professionals of his time, Lonnie has also worked with the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, National Museum of American History, and the Chicago Historical Society. His latest book, A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump, chronicles the making of the museum.Follow us on Twitter @speakgoodpodCheck out our blogGot an episode idea?

Secretary Lonnie Bunch reflects on the importance of Juneteenth and discusses how museums collect artifacts of today for tomorrow

We live in a changing world, but who's working to change it for the better? Join host & Bank of America executive Alicia Burke for a series of in-depth conversations with scholars, artists and advocates like Yvonne Orji, from HBO's Insecure, and Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian. It's all about the moments that mattered for people who are working for equality.​

The 1862 painting "Men of Progress" depicts a group of inventors credited with "altered the course of contemporary civilization.” Between them, they found more efficient ways to sew clothing, harvest crops and even send telegraph messages. In fact, the Smithsonian's first secretary stands in the middle. But as cultural anthropologist Richard Kurin notes, many people have been left out of this tableau. To mark the Smithsonian's 175th anniversary, we ask current Sec. Lonnie Bunch to give the painting an update. See the portraits: Men of Progress Solomon Brown James Smithson Frederick Douglass Eleanor Roosevelt Dorothy Height

The 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution discusses the importance of Juneteenth, the Black Lives Matter movement and the need to face uncomfortable truths about our history.Podcast listeners can get one year of unlimited access to The Post for just $29. That's less than one dollar a week. Learn more and subscribe.See more from Jonathan Capehart: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jonathan-capehart/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cape-upRead more from Washington Post Opinions: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cape-upListen to our newest Opinions podcast, Please, Go On: https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/please-go-on/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cape-up

The leader of the largest museum complex in the world shares his thoughts on the institution's past, present and future.

The Blacksonian — er, the National Museum of African American History and Culture — was years and years in the making. It's closed down because of the coronavirus, but we got a virtual tour from the man who devoted his life to giving it life. He's also the first Black leader of the entire Smithsonian Institution. Baller status.

Operatic soprano Renée Fleming has been called ‘the people’s diva,’ performing at key moments in our nation’s story, like when she sang at ground zero after 9/11. For this special episode, she talks with Kim about how music can help us mourn, heal, and celebrate as we send off a particularly tough 2020 and nestle into the holidays. She also describes a few portraits that hold special meaning for her, because portraits are what we’re all about! See the portraits we discuss: Renée Fleming by Annie Leibovitz is here. Denyce Graves and Marc Mostovoy by Nelson Shanks is here. Leontyne Price by Bradley Phillips is here. Special thanks to Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, and the Smithsonian National Board for making this podcast possible.

Lonnie Bunch is the fourteenth secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He is the first African American secretary and first historian to oversee what is the world's largest museum and research complex. Bunch talks to David Rubenstein about running the organization during the Covid-19 pandemic and about the museum's response to protests over racism in America. He appears on the latest episode of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lonnie Bunch is the fourteenth secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He is the first African American secretary and first historian to oversee what is the world's largest museum and research complex. Bunch talks to David Rubenstein about running the organization during the Covid-19 pandemic and about the museum's response to protests over racism in America. He appears on the latest episode of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations."

Guest host Adam McManus interviews Brandi Swindell, the Founder of the life-affirming Stanton Healthcare clinics in Boise, Idaho, Detroit, Michigan, Pasadena, California and Belfast, Northern Ireland, about her call for the Smithsonian to remove the bust of Margaret Sanger from the National Portrait Gallery.----Sanger founded Planned Parenthood with the expressed purpose of killing children of color whom she deemed to be -human weeds- and a -menace to the race-. Her eugenics worldview was conceived by evolutionist Charles Darwin and implemented through Hitler's -Final Solution.- Sanger's U.S. -Abortion Solution- has killed 62 million pre-born babies compared to Hitler's 15 million victims. While Blacks only comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population, they have nearly 40 percent of all abortions.----That's why GOP Congressman Russ Fulcher of Idaho sent a letter to Lonnie Bunch, the Director of the Smithsonian, urging him to remove the Sanger bust.----Call Linda St. Thomas at the Smithsonian at -202- 633-5188 and email stthomasl-si.edu and call Alexandria Fairchild at -202- 633-0282 and email fairchilda-si.edu. Or write- Director Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian, PO Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013. And sign this petition.----This program includes-----1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus -Black Christian leaders- Planned Parenthood targets black babies for death, Trump to withdraw 2,200 U.S. troops from Iraq by October, Muslims have killed 500 Ethiopian Christians since June-----2. Generations with Kevin Swanson -Guest Hosted by Adam McManus-

David Malpass, World Bank President, says China needs to participate in debt relief plan for poor countries. Jill Carey Hall, BofA Securities U.S. Equity Strategist & Head of U.S. SMID Cap Strategy, says there is divergence within the market in terms of valuations and performance spreads. Jim Bianco, Bianco Research Founder and Bloomberg Opinion Columnist, says there are signals on the horizon that inflation is coming in the U.S. David Rubenstein, Carlyle Group Co-Chairman and Co-Founder and Host of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations," discusses his interview with Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

David Malpass, World Bank President, says China needs to participate in debt relief plan for poor countries. Jill Carey Hall, BofA Securities U.S. Equity Strategist & Head of U.S. SMID Cap Strategy, says there is divergence within the market in terms of valuations and performance spreads. Jim Bianco, Bianco Research Founder and Bloomberg Opinion Columnist, says there are signals on the horizon that inflation is coming in the U.S. David Rubenstein, Carlyle Group Co-Chairman and Co-Founder and Host of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations," discusses his interview with Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Lonnie Bunch III is a historian and curator who now serves as the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He was previously the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Today, he will discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Smithsonian Institution and the current racial turmoil in America.Secretary Bunch is hopeful that this could be a moment of possibility, not unlike other times of unrest that have pushed the country forward. For perhaps the first time, a diverse array of people are acknowledging racism as a universal problem, not just a black problem. But as a historian, he is worried about the effort to completely disregard the contributions of consequential figures like President Woodrow Wilson, who also embraced racist beliefs in their time.  Go to NoLabels.org to learn more about how we are bringing together a bipartisan group of public and private leaders working to solve America’s toughest problems. Follow No Labels and Gridlock Break Twitter • Facebook • Instagram

The Smithsonian has been one of the harder-hit organizations in the pandemic. Its museums, destinations for millions of people each year, had to shut their doors. Now they're starting to open. For an update and a look behind the scenes, the Federal Drive with Tom Temin welcomed the Smithsonian secretary, Lonnie Bunch.

One of Congressman John Lewis' lasting legislative victories was the establishment of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. CBS News' Chip Reid talks with the museum's interim director Dr. Spencer Crew as well as its founding director Lonnie Bunch, now head of the Smithsonian Institution, about Lewis' decades-long fight to make the museum a reality. They explain Lewis' instrumental role in the museum's creation and why he felt that learning our history was so important to ensure America lives up to its ideals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of Congressman John Lewis' lasting legislative victories was the establishment of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. CBS News' Chip Reid talks with the museum's interim director Dr. Spencer Crew as well as its founding director Lonnie Bunch, now head of the Smithsonian Institution, about Lewis' decades-long fight to make the museum a reality. They explain Lewis' instrumental role in the museum's creation and why he felt that learning our history was so important to ensure America lives up to its ideals.

Today is “Juneteenth” in the United States; a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of America’s slaves. Historians Carol Anderson and Eric Foner join Christiane Amanpour to unpack this historic day and the legacy of systemic racism that is still felt today. They explore the patterns of both progress and backlash for black Americans. Malcolm Gladwell, host of "Revisionist History" and author of "Talking to Strangers", discusses police reform and America’s moral shift. Then Walter Isaacson speaks to Lonnie Bunch, the first African American to oversee The Smithsonian Institution and head of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, about the tragic story of 14-year-old Emmett till who was lynched in 1955. He says slavery is embedded in everything and highlights the importance learning from our brutal history. And finally – we mark the graduation of Malala Yousafzai, who despite being targeted by the Taliban 8 years ago, now holds a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world.  

Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) discusses institutionalized racism and the need for greater accountability of police. Admiral James Stavridis says he is concerned over the loss of moral authority in the US. Alicia Garza, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter, discusses what it means to defund the police. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Founding Director of National Museum of African American History and Culture, calls for America to confront its racial past. Kristen Welker, Eugene Robinson and David French join the panel.

Protests have erupted across the United States following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and AJC Project Interchange alumnus, joins us for a comprehensive discussion on race relations and Black-Jewish cooperation in the United States. Then, we’re joined by Isaac 'Bougie' Herzog, Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, to discuss Israel-Diaspora relations - where we are, how we got here, and the future we must build together.

Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and Founding Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of how historians do history for the public. During our exploration, Lonnie reveals why it's important for historians to reach multiple audiences with their work and how museums allow them to reach those audiences; The importance of humanizing history; And, how history and the historian's process helped Lonnie and his colleagues build the National Museum of African American History and Culture and interpret the history within it.

As another week of quarantine and social distancing goes by, Sinéad catches up with historian and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, Lonnie Bunch from his home in Washington, D.C. The two talk about the importance of history in shaping our identity, Lonnie’s experience as the director of the Museum of African American History and Culture, and the parts of his childhood that shaped his understanding of racism, and led him to cherish history and storytelling. (Note, strong language is used by Lonnie to describe racist experiences.)  Transcripts available under each episode link at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/as-me-with-sinead-burke/ betterhelp.com/ASME https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Fools-Errand-Audiobook/1684578345 rothys.com/Sinead batistehair.com

As another week of quarantine and social distancing goes by, Sinéad catches up with historian and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, Lonnie Bunch from his home in Washington, D.C. The two talk about the importance of history in shaping our identity, Lonnie’s experience as the director of the Museum of African American History and Culture, and the parts of his childhood that shaped his understanding of racism, and led him to cherish history and storytelling. (Note, strong language is used by Lonnie to describe racist experiences.)  Transcripts available under each episode link at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/as-me-with-sinead-burke/ betterhelp.com/ASME https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Fools-Errand-Audiobook/1684578345 rothys.com/Sinead batistehair.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lonnie Bunch, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and the first African American and first historian to serve as head of the Smithsonian, talks to AURN Washington Bureau Chief April Ryan about Black History Month.

Lady, we know that Black History IS American History 365 (well, 366 if it’s a leap year, lol). Today Terri and Dom are joined in conversation with historian, Dr. Candice Harrison. The ladies discuss what fuels Candice’s passion for history; the work she is doing at the University of San Francisco; where we can find accurate information about our history; how she processes all the trauma and beauty of history; and who are the unsung heroes we should acknowledge. Grab a glass of your favorite beverage (Hello sweet tea! We see you wine!) and join the ladies on the couch for this laughter-filled informative conversation.   Quote of the Day: "You can tell a great deal about a country and a people by what they deem important enough to remember, to create moments for — what they put in their museum and what they celebrate." - Lonnie Bunch, Founding Director, The National Museum of African American History and Culture    Takeaways: Ancestry DNA kit  https://amzn.to/380niN3 23 and Me DNA kit: : https://amzn.to/2T52iR3 Dr. Candice Harrison: clharrison2@usfca.edu Ancestry.com Genealogybank   Resources: Melanin and Mental Health Therapy for Black Girls  Psychology Today Therapy for QPOC   Where to find us: Twitter: @HERspacepodcast Instagram: @herspacepodcast Facebook: @herspacepodcast Website: herspacepodcast.com Email: herspacepodcast@gmail.com H.E.R Space Sanctuary: https://www.facebook.com/groups/herspacesanctuary/

When historian Lonnie Bunch was offered the position of founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, he tried to talk himself out of it. The museum had no staff or collection -- just the daunting mission to document the African American experience and help the nation understand its dark history of slavery. Bunch took the job, and his new book "A Fool's Errand" recounts his work on what he calls his life's "grandest challenge." Last June, Bunch was appointed Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He joins us to discuss his book and the contributions he’s made in preserving American history.

Success Coach Ricky Terry speaks with Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director, Association for the Study of African American Life and History #ASALH Ms. Cyrus speaks about the organizations upcoming Black History luncheon that includes guest speaker Mr. Lonnie Bunch. Founding director at Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Mr. Lonnie Bunch lll, is the first African American, the first historian and the first Smithsonian museum director to assume the position of Secretary. He began his post June 16. As Secretary, Bunch oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo and numerous research centers, including the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. He is responsible for an annual budget of $1.6 billion, 6,300 employees and 7,300 volunteers.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rickyterry/message

"I think it's important for us to realize that in this story, slavery is at the center — but it's not the only story. We wanted people to understand the diversity of the black experience," Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch told us.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

How do you build a museum from scratch...that encompasses 400 years of African American history? How do you get it to tell hard truths, without making it a completely depressing experience for visitors? And how do you do it in a politically charged time, when the African American experience continues to shift and change? You talk to Lonnie Bunch. He explains how he managed to pull it off in his new memoir A Fool’s Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the age of Bush, Obama, and Trump

Lonnie Bunch III is the newly appointed Secretary of the Smithsonian. But Bunch got the gig after taking on the task of envisioning and then building the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg chats with Bunch re the endeavor and his new book "A Fool's Errand."

Not all historians publish their findings about history in books and articles. Some historians convey knowledge about history to the public in public spaces and in public ways. We conclude the “Doing History: How Historians Work” series with a look at how historians do history for the public with guest historian Lonnie Bunch, the Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. This episode originally posted as a Bonus Episode in 2016. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/248     Sponsor Links Omohundro Institute The Ben Franklin's World Shop   Complementary Episodes Episode 137: Erica Dunbar, The Washingtons’ Runaway Slave, Ona Judge Episode 157: The Revolution’s African American Soldiers Episode 166: Freedom and the American Revolution Episode 176: Daina Ramey Berry, The Value of the Enslaved from Womb to Grave Episode 212: Researching Biography   Listen! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Ben Franklin's World iOS App Ben Franklin's World Android App   Helpful Links Join the Ben Franklin's World Facebook Group Ben Franklin’s WorldTwitter: @BFWorldPodcast Ben Franklin's World Facebook Page Sign-up for the Franklin Gazette Newsletter

Lonnie Bunch, Director of Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, has been the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian by the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents.

The ERLC policy team gathered for a wide ranging conversation on the last week of February. The group covers the significance of Black History Month, the recent news and response to sexual abuse stories in SBC churches, and the Senate's failure to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Jeff and Chelsea discuss why this commonsense infanticide bill failed and how the pro-life community should respond. Resources from the Conversation Article | 5 Facts about Black History Month by Joe Carter Bipartisan Policy Center Video | An Interview with Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Article | Southern Baptists and the Scandal of Church Sexual Abuse by Russell Moore Article | 10 calls to action for Southern Baptists on sexual abuse by Phillip Bethancourt Article | An update on the Presidential Study on Sexual Abuse by Phillip Bethancourt Article | What's happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by ERLC policy staff National Review Article | Senate Fails to Pass Born-Alive Bill by Alexandra DeSanctis Stand For Life | https://www.standforlife.org Application for ERLC Internship Program

Read Full Story HERE  "Watching Oprah," will open to the public on June 8, 2018, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibition looks at how America shaped Oprah, but even more importantly, how Oprah shaped America and the world. "This exhibition examines the power of television," said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum's founding director. Just as Oprah Winfrey watched TV coverage of the civil rights movement and was shaped by the era in which she was born and raised, Ms. Winfrey has gone on to have a profound effect on how Americans view themselves and each other in the tumultuous decades that followed. Her exhibits stand amidst other women giants in America such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ida B Wells and Maya Angelou - women who have not only been shaped by America, but who have transformed America to rise to higher levels of consciousness. The exhibition is in three parts: America Shapes Oprah 1950s -1980s, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Shapes America. It takes you on her journey over the past 25 years and leaves you at the "Oprah Effect" - her ability to shape public opinion and change people's lives for the better. "Watching Oprah" is located in the museum's Special Exhibitions gallery, a 4,300 square-foot exhibition space located on the concourse level near the elevator that takes visitors to the first level of the History Galleries. When asked by Sister Jenna how the exhibition impacted them personally, Curator Rhea L. Combs shared that it reminded her of our humanity and how much we share in common and Curator Kathleen M. Kendrick gave a touching response that life carries a higher purpose, if we so choose.  

This episode originally aired on September 23, 2016. We’re republishing it as part of our Black History Month spotlight series dedicated to featuring African American voices whose perspectives you need to hear.

Origins of Watch Night Service!  Black Methodists and Baptists celebrate Watch Night, December 31, 1862  the Emancipation Proclamation would go into effect at midnight. The celebration continues in African American churches today, striking a more joyous note than prior repentance Watch Nights.  --------------- The first Watch Night was Dec. 31, 1862, as abolitionists and others waited for word — via telegraph, newspaper or word of mouth — that the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. "A lot of it, at least the initial Watch Night, was really many of the free black community," says Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Yet for a people largely held in bondage, freedom is a powerful idea — and that's what the Watch Night tradition embodies.    

Throughout the “Doing History: How Historians Work” series we’ve explored how historians find and research historical topics, how they identify and read historical sources for information, and how they publish their findings so others can know what they know about the past. But not all historians work to publish their findings about history in books and articles. Some historians work to convey knowledge about history to the public in public spaces and in public ways. Therefore, we conclude the “Doing History: How Historians Work” series with a look at how historians do history for the public with guest historian Lonnie Bunch, the Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.   About the Series “Doing History” episodes will introduce you to historians who will tell you what they know about the past and reveal how they came to their knowledge. Each episode will air on the last Tuesday of each month in 2016. This series is part of a partnership between Ben Franklin’s World and the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture.   Partner Links Omohundro Institute OI Reader Doing History series   Show Notes: http://www.benfranklinsworld.com/museums   Helpful Show Links Help Support Ben Franklin's World Crowdfunding Campaign   Ben Franklin's World Facebook Page Join the Ben Franklin's World Community Sign-up for the Franklin Gazette Newsletter Ben Franklin's World iOS App Ben Franklin's World Android App   Complementary Episodes Episode 011: Jessica Baumert, The Woodlands Historic Site of Philadelphia Episode 028: Janice Fontanella, The Erie Canal (Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site) Episode 033: Douglas Bradburn, George Washington & His Library Episode 035: Michael Lord, Historic Hudson Valley & Washington Irving Episode 041: Bruno Paul Stenson, Canada & the American Revolution (Château Ramesay) Episode 079: Jim Horn, What is a Historical Source? (Historic Jamestown) Episode 103: Sara Bon-Harper, James Monroe and His Highland Estate

Image: Guard tower from Camp H at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola at the National Museum Of African American History And Culture The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) opened in September 2016. Today we will talk to some of the people who were thinking about the museum in 2007.Sara Smith and Andrew Anway were part of the Interpretive Planing team. They discuss NMAAHC director Lonnie Bunch's guiding principals for the museum as a whole, trips to other museums during the planning process, and the mission to show that what is happening in culture today is rooted in the past. Club Archipelago

In what is described as the fitting coda to his administration, President Obama cut the ribbon of the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture on 24 September. Journalists Jesse J Holland and Robin N Hamilton are onsite in Washington DC for BBC World Service to hear from the architects, curators, donors, and expectant visitors who have travelled hundreds of miles to celebrate its grand opening. Taking the last spot on America's National Mall, the museum – a beautiful three-tiered structure sheathed in bronze metalwork - opens after what's described as the hardest curatorial job in history. It has been more than ten years in the making. It's a museum that will explain, celebrate and confront the African American experience. At a time of racial tension, its mission to heal is seen as vital too. Museum director Lonnie Bunch, congressman John Lewis and judge Robert Wilkins describe the challenges of creating a museum which aims to tell the story of America through the lens of the African American experience. A story which is bound to provoke distress and anger as well as joy and admiration - something the museum's 250 volunteers are being specially trained to deal with. We hear from two founding donors, Samuel L Jackson and General Colin Powell about the importance of having a national museum dedicated to African American history and culture. From locations across the USA - Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston, St Louis, Nashville - we uncover stories behind the museum's varied new acquisitions, largely told by the donors themselves: from Harriet Tubman's Hymn book to Lauren Anderson's ballet shoes, protest banners from Ferguson, the late music producer J Dilla's synthesizer, and a former slave's printing press. And we follow inspirational young divers in South Florida working in partnership with the museum to locate long-lost slave wrecks.

In what is described as the fitting coda to his administration, President Obama will cut the ribbon of the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture on 24 September. Journalists Jesse J Holland and Robin N Hamilton are onsite in Washington DC for BBC World Service to hear from the architects, curators, donors, and expectant visitors who have travelled hundreds of miles to celebrate its grand opening. Taking the last spot on America's National Mall, the museum – a beautiful three-tiered structure sheathed in bronze metalwork - will open after what's described as the hardest curatorial job in history. It has been more than ten years in the making. It's a museum that will explain, celebrate and confront the African American experience. At a time of racial tension, its mission to heal is seen as vital too. Museum director Lonnie Bunch, congressman John Lewis and judge Robert Wilkins describe the challenges of creating a museum which aims to tell the story of America through the lens of the African American experience. A story which is bound to provoke distress and anger as well as joy and admiration - something the museum's 250 volunteers are being specially trained to deal with. We hear from two founding donors, Samuel L Jackson and General Colin Powell about the importance of having a national museum dedicated to African American history and culture. From locations across the USA - Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston, St Louis, Nashville - we uncover stories behind the museum's varied new acquisitions, largely told by the donors themselves: from Harriet Tubman's Hymn book to Lauren Anderson's ballet shoes, protest banners from Ferguson, the late music producer J Dilla's synthesizer, and a former slave's printing press. And we follow inspirational young divers in South Florida working in partnership with the museum to locate long-lost slave wrecks.

Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture talks about the museum from idea to completion, including his initial reaction to a man claiming to have Harriet Tubman's shawl.

We sit down with Lonnie Bunch, the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to hear his personal recollections of the events following MLK's assassination.

Host Susan Spencer interviews Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Dr. Lonnie Bunch describes the history of efforts to found a national African American museum and the challenges he has faced in bringing the museum to fruition. (June 24, 2011)