Story of Diplomacy
The Composure and Leadership of Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal
Serving 41 years in the United States Foreign Service, Ambassador Aurelia Erskine Brazeal was the first African American woman to be appointed ambassador by three…
U.S. History
Showing 101–110 of 115 results
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Collection Highlights
Credentials of the First Chief Special Agent of the State Department, Joseph M. Nye
Each month, the National Museum of American Diplomacy highlights special artifacts from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. This month, we are showcasing…
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Story of Diplomacy
From Secretaries to Senators: The Historic Road to the Presidency
In the early years of the Republic, the Secretary of State cabinet position appeared to be a stepping stone to the presidency. This pattern began…
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Story of Diplomacy
Ebenezer D. Bassett: America's First African American Chief of Mission
In 1869, Ebenezer D. Bassett was appointed as the U.S. Minister to the Republic of Haiti, making him the first African American Chief of Mission.…
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Story of Diplomacy
A Hero of U.S. Diplomacy: Dr. Ralph J. Bunche (1904-1971)
Dr. Ralph J. Bunche was a pioneering African American diplomat who shaped some of the most remarkable moments in the twentieth century. Dr. Ralph Bunche…
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Story of Diplomacy
From Holocaust Survivor to Ambassador: The Story of Robert G. Neumann
January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other lives lost.…
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Story of Diplomacy
“Tie a Yellow Ribbon:” The Origin of the National Response to the Iran Hostage Crisis
In November 1979, 52 Americans in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran were taken hostage by Iranian students. Everyone, from the most junior staff members to…
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Story of Diplomacy
Kate Koob: Courage and Composure
In July 1979 Kate Koob arrived as a Foreign Service Officer in Iran — a country in the throes of a massive political and social revolution. When the embassy was captured that November, Koob would be held hostage for 444 days.
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Story of Diplomacy
glifaa: The History of LGBT+ Pride in Foreign Affairs Agencies
For decades, a Department of State employee’s security clearance could be denied or revoked—effectively ending their careers— simply for their sexual orientation. Today there are countless LGBT+ employees, family members, and allies in U.S. foreign affairs agencies, roughly 1,000 of whom are members of glifaa, the employee affinity group that represents them. Developed…
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Story of Diplomacy
The Legacy of Edward R. Dudley: Civil Rights Activist and the First African American Ambassador
In 1949, Ambassador Edward R. Dudley was the first African American to hold the rank of ambassador. His legacy also includes a long history of…
