After three months of virtual tours only, the exhibition “Peace Corps at 60: Inside the Volunteer Experience” opened on June 1 for in-person viewing at American University Museum, Washington, D.C. Five days later, June 5, it was ‘sold out’ for the entire month.
Happily, hours for July 1 – August 9 are expanded. Visitors may register here for a free designated 90-minute entry on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As of press time, tickets are still available but act quickly. On Saturdays, July 10 – August 7, the exhibition is open 11AM – 4PM and registration is not required.
The exhibition features 34 objects, along with stories from volunteers about the treasured items and how the objects entered – and changed – their lives. The exhibition is curated by Alexandra Schuman, Alper Initiative for Washington Art Fellow, and AU Museum director Jack Rasmussen. It portrays the depth of respect Peace Corps volunteers hold for the cultures, traditions and people of the countries they serve throughout the world.
The exhibit is on display at American University Museum at Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue. Free, timed entry tickets are available at eventbrite.com Ticket holders are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The exhibit opened virtually on March 3 and closes August 9, 2021.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of Peace Corps by President John Kennedy on March 1, 1961, the exhibition bears witness to the international service of over 240,000 Americans who have volunteered in more than 140 countries. It portents well for the future of Washington D.C.’s newest museum.
Exhibit sponsors are Museum of the Peace Corps Experience, American University Museum, National Peace Corps Association, and the volunteers who donated objects and stories.
Items can be viewed on the museum’s web site at https://museumofthepeacecorpsexperience.org/cpages/home
Former Peace Corps volunteers and staff may learn how to donate objects, preferably with a story about one of them, at Gift an Object
You may support the non-profit Museum of the Peace Corps Experience – Washington D.C.’s newest museum – at museumofthepeacecorpsexperience.org
For more information, email contactus@peacecorpsmuseum.com
