A Year at the Museum

This year, our museum has continued to grow in the face of a global pandemic. Both in-person and virtually, we found new ways to tell the history and stories of diplomacy. Take a look back at this incredible year and the people who made it possible.
Help us grow

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the official workplace giving campaign of the federal government that allows federal employees and retirees to pledge monetary support to approved charities. Your CFC contributions to the Diplomacy Center Foundation (#30585), our nonprofit partner, will help us bring the museum to life with programs and exhibits. Donate by Friday, January 15, 2021.

Celebrating the Dayton Accords

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Accords, a historic diplomatic achievement negotiated in Dayton, Ohio that ended the war in Bosnia. On December 10th, we hosted a conversation between Ambassador Christopher Hill, Dayton City Commissioner Matt Joseph, NMAD Director Mary Kane, and NMAD Public Historian Dr. Alison Mann. Watch as they discuss their first-hand experiences around the negotiations. 
Our Favorite Artifacts of 2020

For us, building the artifact collection has always involved a focus on both the past and the present. The museum has focused on documenting not only historical events and individuals but items that reflect the work of diplomats in the present. In 2020, as historic events that shook the world, “collecting the present” took on special significance as the museum also continued to collect items and their stories. Explore our 2020 acquisitions.
German Reunification
In honor of the 30th anniversary of German reunification, we looked back at the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, also known as the “Two Plus Four Agreement.” NMAD was honored to welcome Vera Beutin, Director of the German Information Center at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to frame the conversation. Watch the program here.
U.S Minister Poinsett
The Poinsettia flower is a staple Christmas decoration each holiday season. What many do not know is that the flower holds a hidden story of American diplomacy. It is named after U.S. Minister Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first diplomat to Mexico after Mexico’s independence. In this program, we discussed the unique story of this diplomat and his time in South America. Watch the program here.
World AIDS Day
On December 1 and in commemoration of World Aids Day, NMAD held a discussion with Neeta Bhandari, the Acting Deputy Director of Private Sector Engagement Office of the U.S. Global Aids Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State. Watch the program here.
January 12: Iran Hostage Crisis
The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when 52 Americans were forcibly detained by Iranian militants. They spent 444 days in captivity until their release on January 20, 1981. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of their release, NMAD Collections Manager Eric Duyck will share the story and significance of items that bore witness to the ordeal. Watch here on January 12.