David Roeder shouts and waves as he and others exit an airplane

Diplomacy Classroom: The Iran Hostages’ Homecoming

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Iran Hostages’ release, Diplomacy Classroom welcomed NMAD Collections Manager Eric Duyck to share the story and significance behind some of the artifacts in our collection from the Iran Hostage Crisis.

The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when 52 Americans were detained by Iranian militants who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. They were released on January 20, 1981, for a total of 444 days in captivity. Upon their release, the hostages traveled from Iraq to Germany and then home to America via Ireland. Through a number of artifacts, Eric detailed this journey and the public reception of the hostages throughout, highlighting the symbol of the yellow ribbon and its significance.

Explore the highlights of the homecoming through the timestamps

  • What was the Iran Hostage Crisis? 3:30
  • Where did the hostages go upon their release? 13:48
  • What does the yellow ribbon symbolize? 18:39
  • When did the hostages get to the United States? 24:37
  • How were they welcomed back by the American public? 31:42

Watch Diplomacy Classroom: The Iran Hostages’ Homecoming below

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    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 as an Economic Officer. Blucker was one of 52 who were ultimately held hostage for 444 days, in what became known as the Iran Hostage…

  • Item

    “Hostage Cross” Necklace

    Kathryn Koob was a Foreign Service Officer who was serving in Tehran when the American embassy was seized by Iranian militants on Nov. 4, 1979. She became one of two women who were held hostage during the entire ordeal. Koob is a person of deep faith, which sustained her while held captive.…