The National Museum of American Diplomacy

How did passports protect Americans from capture?

An important official signature

In the early republic, just like today, diplomats overseas protected American travelers. But unlike today, diplomats then personally signed passports. Rufus King, U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1796-1803) signed this passport to permit safe passage to this American citizen under international law.

Passports protected Americans

The dangers of 18th century Atlantic travel

David Hinckley, this passport’s bearer, was a wealthy Boston merchant who frequently traveled to London on business. Barbary corsairs captured him during an Atlantic crossing, holding him for ransom. The U.S. and Algiers negotiated a treaty in 1796 ending the practice, ensuring Americans would no longer be taken hostage. Hinckley likely carried this passport to prove his citizenship if Barbary corsairs intercepted his Atlantic travel again.

What does a ping-pong paddle have to do with diplomacy?

A historic diplomatic opening.

For over 20 years, there had been no diplomatic ties and few contacts between the United States and China. That began to change in April 1971, when a friendly encounter between two ping-pong players, one American and the other Chinese, at a championship in Japan led to an extraordinary invitation. When the U.S. team arrived in Beijing, they were greeted by officials.

What does a ping-pong paddle have to do with diplomacy?

A surprising cultural exchange.

The U.S. team was invited to China to play exhibition matches against the Chinese team, but the trip included banquets and cultural tours. They visited some of China’s landmarks, including the famous Great Wall of China. There, the team posed for a group photo that would become an iconic image of their trip—and was featured on the cover of Time magazine.

What does a ping-pong paddle have to do with diplomacy?

A trip with a lasting impact.

The U.S. team’s trip was the start of “ping-pong diplomacy,” which generated goodwill and provided a public face for serious diplomatic negotiations. President Richard Nixon visited China in February 1972. That April, the Chinese table tennis team toured the United States, starting in Detroit. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1979.

When are firefighters diplomats?

Rescuing survivors in Nepal

When a powerful earthquake shook Nepal in 2015, killing more than 8,000 people, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) deployed Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel to Nepal to assist with recovery efforts. Working with Nepalese rescue crews, they freed 15-year-old Pemba Lama from the wreckage of a collapsed hotel parking garage.

When are firefighters diplomats?

Disaster response and relief.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides humanitarian aid and training to help countries respond to natural disasters. The Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California, fire departments are the only two units in the United States trained and authorized to deploy with USAID disaster response teams.