Overview
In Fall 2026, the Museum of the Peace Corps Experience will partner again with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to debut its second major exhibition in the Washington, D.C. flagship library.
65 Objects that Changed the World commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps and aligns with the nationwide America 250 observance. At a moment when Americans are reflecting on the nation’s founding ideals, this exhibition invites audiences to consider how service, cooperation, and cross-cultural exchange have shaped America’s global story.
Through 65 carefully selected objects paired with personal stories from Peace Corps service around the world, the exhibition illuminates the transformative power of grassroots diplomacy. These are not monumental artifacts of statecraft, but everyday tools — chalkboards, seed packets, letters, radios, water filters, cookbooks — that made connection possible.
Each object demonstrates a simple but powerful truth:
- Peace is built through relationships.
- And relationships are built through everyday acts.
Why Now? Peace Corps 65 + America 250
As the United States marks 250 years, the exhibition reframes American history through the lens of global engagement.
Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps emerged during a pivotal period in American history — a time of Cold War tension, civil rights struggle, and redefinition of America’s role in the world. Over 65 years, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 140+ countries, advancing education, public health, agriculture, environmental protection, and community development. The exhibition asks:
- What could American leadership look like in the 21st century?
- How do ordinary citizens shape foreign policy through service?
- How has international exchange strengthened democracy at home?
This exhibition positions the Peace Corps as one of America’s most enduring expressions of civic diplomacy.
Exhibition Experience - Visitors will encounter:
- 65 Object–Story Pairings from countries around the world highlighting collaboration and shared humanity.
- Patchwork of Peace, a 30-foot quilt composed of 100 panels created by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, inspiring a new community art project
- Immersive digital storytelling integrating photographs, oral histories, and video with the procurement of additional tech resources
- Interactive opportunities inviting visitors to reflect on their own role in shaping a more just and compassionate world
The design will be modular and scalable to travel to 4,000 square foot venues nationwide, including state museums and universities. With additional financial support the Museum will enlist professional exhibit designers and technologists to create a turnkey traveling experience.
