SUMMARY

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced that he is stepping down as the institution he leads faces an escalating battle with the Trump administration over how it tells the American story. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bunch about the political pressure, what’s at stake for the Smithsonian and how he sees his legacy. It's for our Art in Action series exploring the intersection of art and democracy.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.

News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. See the Google doc above for discussion questions.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who is Lonnie Bunch, and what is his background?
2. When did the National Museum of African American History and Culture open?
3. Where are the Smithsonian museums located in the United States?
4. What was the purpose of opening the Smithsonian museums?
5. Why is it important to not only tell the history of slavery in the lens of America, according to Paul Barudo?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. How might altering the museum due to political pressure affect their story and mission? What precedent does that set for other museums?
2. Who do you think should get to determine what artifacts, exhibits and memorabilia should make up collections such as those in the Smithsonian museums? How do you think collections should be chosen?

Media literacy: Imagine you are a museum curator working for the Smithsonian. What kind of stories, artifacts and pieces would you like to display in your museum that you think best capture American life? What items would you choose to best represent your own generation and the times we live in today?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Museums are an important part of our society. We learn about the past through the preservation of some of our most important, historical objects that shaped the world into what it is today. However, lack of funding and attendance are greatly affecting their ability to share with the world the exhibitions they have. It is the job of the people, especially the next generation, to keep it going. With that in mind, plan a trip to your local museum, and try to answer these questions during your trip:

1. What type of museum is it? What is their mission or purpose?
2. What kinds of items do they have? Why do you think they kept it as part of their exhibition? Are there any that stick out to you? How so?
3. What did you learn from this trip?

Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Sophia Sharaa with editing from News Hour Classroom's Luke Gerwe

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