In Memoriam of Hans Tuch

NMAD mourns the passing of American diplomat Hans Tuch. In 1959, as the U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Affairs Officer Hans “Tom” Tuch accompanied U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to the American National Exhibition in Moscow, pausing at the display of a modern kitchen. Nixon and Khrushchev famously debated the merits of communism versus capitalism during the tour, an encounter which caused a sensation, making news headlines the next day.  

For his participation in what became known as the “Kitchen Debate,” Tuch was presented this unique tongue-in-cheek certificate. In 2016, he graciously donated it to the museum.  

We appreciate Mr. Tuch’s many contributions to American diplomacy and his strong support of the museum.

Hans Tuch (left) accompanied Vice President Richard Nixon (right) during a tour of the American National Exhibition in Moscow with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev (center).