2011.09.21: September 21, 2011: Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Ghana: Peace Corps Ghana : Peace Corps Ghana: Newest Stories: 2011.09.21: September 21, 2011: Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

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Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

Aaron Williams, the current director of the Peace Corps who served in the Dominican Republic in the late sixties, presided over the donation and reflected on the scope of impact Corps members have had, as well as their projects around the world today. "Their engagement efforts range from teaching science in rural high schools in Tanzania, to youth development in Jordan, to promoting computer literacy in the Ukraine," he said. "They're distributing bed nets to stem the spread of malaria in Senegal and teaching health and hygiene to school children in Peru."

Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

Peace Corps Donates Treasure Trove to American History Museum

Caption: Sign from the Peace Corps' first office in Ghana. Photo courtesy American History Museum

For Harry Rubenstein, chair of the Division of Political History at the American History Museum, the landmark collection of Peace Corps artifacts donated at a ceremony this morning is more than a memento of the program's 50 years of existence. To him, the 43 objects collected-recruitment posters, training manuals and other artifacts-are a confirmation of American ideals, just as much as the relics from our country's founding.

"I look at these objects and think about one of our most treasured objects that's on display, on the third floor, the desk that Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on, and I see a direct connection between the two," Rubenstein said at the press conference held to celebrate the donation. "It's a belief in this American spirit, and what it means not only for the American people, but for the people of the world."

Aaron Williams, the current director of the Peace Corps who served in the Dominican Republic in the late sixties, presided over the donation and reflected on the scope of impact Corps members have had, as well as their projects around the world today. "Their engagement efforts range from teaching science in rural high schools in Tanzania, to youth development in Jordan, to promoting computer literacy in the Ukraine," he said. "They're distributing bed nets to stem the spread of malaria in Senegal and teaching health and hygiene to school children in Peru."

Williams stressed the transformative nature of the program, not only for the populations served in foreign countries but for the Corps members themselves. "It transformed me from a young man on the South Side of Chicago, where I was the first one in my family to go to college, and gave me a chance to see the world," he said.

As part of the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary, the organization reached out to its alumni base for donations of significant artifacts. Members responded by contributing their graduation certificates, international ID cards, and even telegrams sent to their parents upon their arrival in foreign countries. The Peace Corps itself also donated many artifacts, such as the sign from the organization's first office in Ghana and an early medical kit used in the field.

The wide variety of artifacts will become part of a new collection specific to the organization. "This collection will house a treasure trove of Peace Corps artifacts," Williams said. "It tells a story of the brave pioneers who first brought the Peace Corps to life, and thousands upon thousands of Americans who have since answered the call."

Stacy Rhodes, the current chief of staff of the Peace Corps who served in Bolivia from 1968 to 1970, was one of the alumni who dug through their things to find a donation. He contributed a small pamphlet, called the Peace Corps Reader, which he originally received during training at Utah State University just before heading to Bolivia. "I just found it when I went back through my old Peace Corps trunk, where I was keeping a variety of things," he said. "I thought, well, maybe they'll be interested in this. I had no idea, but I'm so thrilled and honored that the Smithsonian thought it was worth keeping."

Williams hopes that the collection will have an enduring impact in motivating future Americans to serve. "While times have changed, the needs persist. The inequities that existed half a century ago still loom large in our world," he said. "In honoring those who have served, this will serve as an inspiration, I am certain, to those who believe they have something to give, to those who want to be part of something bigger than themselves."




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Headlines: September, 2011; Peace Corps Ghana; Directory of Ghana RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Ghana RPCVs; Museums; 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps; Exhibits





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Who Were the First Volunteers? Date: September 14 2011 No: 1536 Who Were the First Volunteers?
As the Peace Corps prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, members of Colombia I say the agency's account of its early history is flawed. Although the Peace Corps' web site proclaims that the first group of volunteers were members of Ghana I, Colombia RPCV Ronald A. Schwartz writes that the first Peace Corps volunteers were, in fact, members of Colombia I and asks that the agency correct the historical record. Also read the essay by Ghana RPCV Bob Klein on Peace Corps Online about Ghana I - the first volunteers to arrive at their country of service.

Peace Corps Featured at Smithsonian Date: July 15 2011 No: 1527 Peace Corps Featured at Smithsonian
Take a look at our photo essay of Peace Corps' featured program at the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC to see how the festival showcased the work of Peace Corps volunteers in economic development and income generation; ways volunteers have helped support local groups to help educate communities; and food and cooking traditions that have played a role in the Peace Corps experience. New: Enjoy photos from the second week of the exposition.

May 26, 2011: The RPCV in the White House Date: May 26 2011 No: 1522 May 26, 2011: The RPCV in the White House
The RPCV in the White House 8 Apr
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Robbie Schwartz writes: How would my life have been different? 2 Mar
Rajiv Joseph is a fresh and compelling voice in theater 5 Mar
Robert Textor Releases Peace Corps Classic 13 Mar
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Peace Corps Faces Budget Ax in FY2012 23 Mar
Brendan Moroso writes: Revolution comes to North Africa 23 Mar
Jessica Moon Bernstein has exhibition "Ourrubberos" 26 Mar
Joshua Stern Founds Envaya to Provide Interent Access 26 Mar
Richard Sitler Photographs PCVs around the world 27 Mar
Scott Lacy is Executive Director of African Sky 29 Mar
American Sailor Accused of Raping PCV in Uganda 24 Apr
Scott Koepke Shares his Love for Dirt 26 Apr
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Clare Major Screens Film "Feast & Sacrifice" 4 May
Steve Kruse and Salifu Mansaray met 40 years ago 4 May
SuZanne Kimbrell Rocks in Dallas 12 May
Nancy Sathre-Vogel writes:A Long Path to Nowhere 15 May
Gal Beckerman writes: What is Peace Corps for? 15 May
Katie Dyer Founded Fair Trade Folk Art Gallery 17 May
Henry Wilhelm Honored for his Photography 25 May

Congressional Hearings on Sexual Assault Date: June 3 2011 No: 1523 Congressional Hearings on Sexual Assault
Congress held hearings on the sexual assault of Peace Corps volunteers. Read the testimony of RPCVs on how the problem is still ongoing, and not limited to any particular country or region. Director Williams says that "it has become apparent to me that the Peace Corps has not always been sufficiently responsive or sensitive to victims of crime and their families. I sincerely regret that." Read what the Peace Corps is doing to address the issue. Latest: Background on sexual assault of PCVs.

Peace Corps: The Next Fifty Years Date: March 8 2011 No: 1513 Peace Corps: The Next Fifty Years
As we move into the Peace Corps' second fifty years, what single improvement would most benefit the mission of the Peace Corps? Read our op-ed about the creation of a private charitable non-profit corporation, independent of the US government, whose focus would be to provide support and funding for third goal activities. Returned Volunteers need President Obama to support the enabling legislation, already written and vetted, to create the Peace Corps Foundation. RPCVs will do the rest.

How Volunteers Remember Sarge Date: January 18 2011 No: 1487 How Volunteers Remember Sarge
As the Peace Corps' Founding Director Sargent Shriver laid the foundations for the most lasting accomplishment of the Kennedy presidency. Shriver spoke to returned volunteers at the Peace Vigil at Lincoln Memorial in September, 2001 for the Peace Corps 40th. "The challenge I believe is simple - simple to express but difficult to fulfill. That challenge is expressed in these words: PCV's - stay as you are. Be servants of peace. Work at home as you have worked abroad. Humbly, persistently, intelligently. Weep with those who are sorrowful, Care for those who are sick. Serve your wives, serve your husbands, serve your families, serve your neighbors, serve your cities, serve the poor, join others who also serve," said Shriver. "Serve, Serve, Serve. That's the answer, that's the objective, that's the challenge."

PCV Murder Investigated Date: January 18 2011 No: 1477 PCV Murder Investigated
ABC News has investigated the murder of Benin PCV Kate Puzey. Read our original coverage of the crime, comments on Peace Corps actions, the email Puzey sent her country director about sexual incidents with Puzey's students and with another PCV, the backstory on how RPCVs helped the Puzey family, and Peace Corps' official statement. PCOL Editorial: One major shortcoming that the Puzey murder highlights is that Peace Corps does not have a good procedure in place for death notifications.

Join Us Mr. President! Date: June 26 2009 No: 1380 Join Us Mr. President!
"We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign. Returned Volunteers rally and and march to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. Latest: Senator Dodd introduces Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009 .



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Story Source: Smithsonian Magazine

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Ghana; Museums; 50th; Exhibits

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