A Fool's Errand - an extract from Lonnie Bunch's book

Jan 22, 2020

In this extract from his latest book, Lonnie Bunch writes about how a museum can humanise history. Image: Greg Beadle

Lonnie Bunch

Secretary, Smithsonian Institution

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Slave shackles are seen in a display case during a media preview at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington September 14, 2016. The museum will open to the public on September 24. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - D1BEUBHOEXAA

Image: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - D1BEUBHOEXAA

Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, speaks during the dedication of the museum in Washington, U.S., September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts - S1AEUDEBSQAA

Image: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts - S1AEUDEBSQAA

A visitor is seen at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, U.S., October 25, 2019. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko - RC14287D1230

A visitor is seen at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, U.S., October 25, 2019. Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

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