National Archives Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps
Press Release · Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Washington, DC
Broadcaster, Journalist and Peace Corps Swaziland Alumnus Chris Matthews to Moderate
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On Thursday, March 17, at 7 PM, the National Archives celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Peace Corps with a special program on the creation and history of the agency. This program is free and open to the public, and will take place in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.
On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the Executive order that created the Peace Corps. Since then, more than 200,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 139 countries around the world. In commemoration of the agency’s 50th anniversary, the National Archives and the Peace Corps present a discussion on the creation and early history the agency. Chris Matthews, broadcaster and journalist—and Peace Corps Volunteer in Swaziland from 1968 to 1970—will moderate. Panelists include Bill Moyers; former U.S. Ambassador Jack Hood Vaughn; and Senator Harris Wofford—all of whom held leadership roles during the agency’s early years. Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams will introduce the panel. This program is a joint project of the National Archives and the Peace Corps, with promotional support by the Foundation for the National Archives.
Related Featured Document Display - Executive Order 10924
National Archives Building East Rotunda Gallery
During the month of March, 2011, the National Archives will exhibit Executive Order 10924, signed by President Kennedy on March 1, 1961, that established the Peace Corps.
The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, call 202-357-5333, or view the Calendar of Events online.
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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.
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