Professional Affiliation

Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large, 
Smithsonian Institution

Expert Bio

Richard Kurin began his Smithsonian career working on America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. He is currently Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large, focused on strategic and special initiatives, institutional representation, and philanthropic support. He previously served for more than a decade as Under Secretary overseeing all of the Smithsonian’s national museums, scientific research centers and educational programs. He has played major roles in the development and/or transformation of most of the museums. He continues to oversee content for the Smithsonian Channel, write for Smithsonian magazine and conduct his own research.