The Smithsonian Institution has its first African-American leader

For the first time in its 173-year history, the esteemed Smithsonian Institution will have an African American leader, The Washington Post reports.

Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, will take over as secretary of the entire institution, succeeding David J. Skorton, who announced his resignation in December, effective June 15.

The 66-year-old Bunch will be responsible for a $1.5 billion annual budget and the oversight of 19 museums, nine research centers, the National Zoo, 6,800 employees, and 155 million items throughout the museums, the Post reports. He was reportedly "stunned" by the decision.

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"I have such a profound love of the Smithsonian," he said. "I want to help the world see the Smithsonian as I do, as a place that matters, with gifted people who just want to serve their country." He added that being the first African American to head the Smithsonian will "open the door for others."

Bunch was reportedly chosen, in part, because of his ability to usher in an era of change — he is expected to lead the Smithsonian into "digitally focused, collaborative, and innovative" age. Read more at The Washington Post.