A Museum to Come
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the National Museum of American Diplomacy tells the story of the history, practice, and challenges of American diplomacy.
Through exhibitions and programs, NMAD inspires the American public to discover diplomacy and how it impacts their lives every day.
About NMAD VisitingBrowse Diplomatic History
Explore Collections
Explore the vivid history of American diplomacy through our searchable collections database featuring a selection of items.
Start BrowsingFrom the Collection
First Base from U.S.-Cuba Baseball Game
This base was in play during the March 22, 2016 exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team in Havana, Cuba. The game occurred during Obama’s historic visit to Cuba after the two countries re-established official diplomatic relations in 2015.
From the Collection
Iran Hostage Blindfold
This piece of cloth was fashioned into a blindfold and used on U.S. diplomat Robert Blucker, who was serving at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979, Blucker was one of 52 who were ultimately held hostage for 444 days, in what became known as the Iran Hostage Crisis.
From the Collection
Kellogg-Briand Pact Signing Pen
This gold fountain pen was used by Secretary Kellogg and his 14 foreign counterparts to sign the Kellogg-Briand Pact in France in August 1928. This historic treaty pursued the lofty goal of ending war.
From the Collection
Patti Morton’s Pistol Clutch Purse
In 1972, Patricia “Patti” Morton became the first woman to serve as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. At the time, Diplomatic Security did not issue gun holsters that could be worn practically by a woman. Morton found her own solution by using this clutch to carry her .357 magnum service weapon during protective detail assignments.
From the Collection
Bugged Brick from U.S. Embassy Moscow
This unusual looking device protruding from a brick is an electronic “bug”—essentially a microphone that could transmit conversations remotely. It was found in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in the 1960s by Diplomatic Security personnel.
NEW ONLINE INTERACTIVE
Diplomacy Decision Points
If you were a diplomat, how would you respond to a crisis? What skills of diplomacy would you draw from?
In our online interactive experience, Diplomacy Decision Points, users get the chance to play the role of a diplomat and practice their diplomacy skills.
Education at NMAD
Equip students with the diplomatic skills and knowledge required to tackle complex challenges using our teacher resources.
Diplomacy Simulations
Participate in immersive, skill-building scenarios based on real-world events.
Diplomacy Classroom Events
Join the museum for virtual programs highlighting a historical event, person, or contemporary global issue.
Education Videos
Explore topics such as wildlife trafficking, a freshwater crisis, or migration through our expert videos.
Classroom Activities
See our database of resources containing videos, diplomacy simulations, and more.
Stories of Diplomacy
What does it mean to live a life of foreign service and what impact can a diplomat make? Explore the stories of ambassadors, influential civilians, key diplomatic players, treaty negotiators, and more.
Collection Highlights
2023 Wrapped: Our Favorite New Additions to Our Collection
With 2023 coming to a close, the National Museum of American Diplomacy is reflecting on a successful year building the museum’s collections. Here are a…
