Amid an evening of standing ovations and heartfelt salutes, Lonnie Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, received the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.’s Third Annual Visionary Historian Award. The prize was awarded this past Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the Historical Society’s 122nd anniversary celebration when the Historical Society welcomed more than 150 members, dignitaries, and supporters to the reception and program at the organization’s headquarters in the historic Carnegie Library on Mt. Vernon Square.
Executive Director John Suau opened the evening with kudos to Bunch and the staff of the Smithsonian’s newest museum. He noted the warm relationship between the Historical Society and the National Museum, especially the 2014 “Saving Our African American Treasures” partnership, which educated members of the public about the value of their family artifacts and led to new acquisitions for the Historical Society’s collections.
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Knight Kiplinger acted as master of ceremonies, reminding the audience of the critical role the new National Museum will play in documenting the history of Washington, D.C. as well as of the nation. He outlined Bunch’s career and commended him for the success of his decade-long effort to create the museum. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, introduced by Kiplinger as a political activist and advocate for D.C. residents and for statehood, then spoke about the significance of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and lauded Bunch’s successful mission to create a long-overdue place to interpret African American communities both nationally and locally.
In response, Bunch spoke of the powerful connections that the National Museum has made with local communities with the help of organizations like the Historical Society. He described a few of his many encounters with individuals who have donated collections related to the history of African Americans and accepted the award on their behalf. He also acknowledged the many individuals, organizations, and corporations who have contributed financially. He emphasized that in telling the stories of African Americans in context, the new museum will tell America’s story. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke next, emphasizing how important history is to planners making important decisions about the city’s future. She commended Bunch for his perseverance and said that the local D.C. community will especially enjoy the museum’s presence here.
Chair of the Historical Society’s Board of Trustees Julie Koczela, Norton, Bowser and Suau then presented the award to Bunch, followed by anniversary champagne and cupcakes and an opportunity for celebrants to meet the guest of honor.