Secretary of the Smithsonian

Secretary of the Smithsonian is the chief executive officer and head of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Appointed by the Board of Regents, the Secretary oversees 21 museums, the National Zoo, nine research centers, and numerous libraries and archives. The position, established by an 1846 act of Congress, has been held by distinguished leaders in science, history, and culture who shape the institution's vast public mission and global scholarly impact.

History of the Office

The office was formally created with the founding of the Smithsonian Institution through the bequest of James Smithson and subsequent legislation signed by President James K. Polk. The first Secretary, Joseph Henry, a renowned physicist, established the institution's early emphasis on scientific research and the international exchange of knowledge. His successor, Spencer Fullerton Baird, a prominent ornithologist and ichthyologist, dramatically expanded the collections, leading to the opening of the Arts and Industries Building and laying groundwork for the National Museum of Natural History. The tenure of Samuel Pierpont Langley, an astronomer and aviation pioneer, saw the founding of the Astrophysical Observatory and increased focus on aeronautical research. Throughout the 20th century, leadership shifted towards administrators and museum professionals, such as S. Dillon Ripley, who presided over a major period of expansion including the opening of the National Air and Space Museum and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Appointment and Role

The Secretary is appointed by the Board of Regents, a governing body that includes the Chief Justice of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, three members of the United States Senate, three members of the United States House of Representatives, and nine citizen members. There is no fixed term length, serving at the pleasure of the Board. The role serves as the institution's principal spokesperson to Congress, the White House, and the public, while managing a multi-billion dollar annual budget derived from federal appropriations and private funds. The Secretary works closely with the Smithsonian National Board and numerous advisory councils to set strategic direction for the entire complex, which includes flagship facilities on the National Mall and operations from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.

List of Secretaries

Since 1846, there have been 14 individuals to hold the position. The complete chronological list is: 1. Joseph Henry (1846–1878), 2. Spencer Fullerton Baird (1878–1887), 3. Samuel Pierpont Langley (1887–1906), 4. Charles Doolittle Walcott (1907–1927), 5. Charles Greeley Abbot (1928–1944), 6. Alexander Wetmore (1945–1952), 7. Leonard Carmichael (1953–1964), 8. S. Dillon Ripley (1964–1984), 9. Robert McCormick Adams Jr. (1984–1994), 10. I. Michael Heyman (1994–1999), 11. Lawrence M. Small (2000–2007), 12. G. Wayne Clough (2008–2014), 13. David J. Skorton (2015–2019), and 14. Lonnie Bunch (2019–present). The longest-serving was Joseph Henry, while the shortest tenure was that of Lawrence M. Small, who resigned following controversies over spending.

Responsibilities and Influence

The Secretary's core responsibilities encompass the stewardship and growth of the institution's vast collections, which exceed 155 million objects spanning art, history, culture, and science. This includes oversight of iconic museums like the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Portrait Gallery. The role directs major scientific research endeavors at centers like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Museum Conservation Institute. The Secretary also champions educational outreach through digital initiatives, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and partnerships with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Furthermore, the position involves high-level fundraising and advocacy, influencing national policy on issues from biodiversity conservation to the preservation of American art.

Notable Initiatives and Controversies

Notable initiatives launched under various Secretaries include the "Smithsonian Science for the Global Goals" project under G. Wayne Clough and the monumental effort to create the National Museum of African American History and Culture, championed by Lonnie Bunch before his appointment. S. Dillon Ripley's era saw the creation of the Smithsonian Magazine and the Archives of American Art. Controversies have periodically challenged the office, including significant criticism over the management of the National Zoo following animal deaths, and the 2007 resignation of Lawrence M. Small amid scrutiny of his personal expenses and compensation. More recent debates have involved the institution's ethical policies regarding donor funding, responses to calls for repatriation of cultural artifacts, and its public stance on topics like climate change exhibited within the National Museum of Natural History. Category:Smithsonian Institution Category:American museum directors Category:Government officials in Washington, D.C.