[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1380-E1381] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF LONNIE BUNCH, THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE ______ HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lonnie G. Bunch III; a great educator and American historian who's relentless and dedicated work led to the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the national mall this past weekend. From a young age, Lonnie has cared about the stories of those who are anonymous. The experience of a four-year-old Lonnie with his grandfather looking at a photo of unidentified African-American schoolchildren in a book left him wanting to learn their stories. The curiosity inspired by hearing his neighbors speak Sicilian urged him to understand the history that led groups of immigrants to populate his neighborhood in New Jersey. These experiences as a child helped shape the distinguished career Mr. Bunch would have as an author, educator and curator at various institutions. While serving as president at the Chicago Historical Society, Mr. Bunch was approached by the Smithsonian Institute to be the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Bunch spent the next decade traveling around the world raising the $270 million needed to open the museum while also leading the charge in opening seven different exhibits related to African American history and culture in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Mr. Bunch is also responsible for establishing a daylong workshop program designed to identify and preserve items of historical significance. Through his career endeavors culminating in the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, [[Page E1381]] Mr. Bunch has presented an opportunity to every American visiting Washington, DC to experience the history of the United States through a unique prospective. ____________________