In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, the Idaho Returned Peace Corps Volunteers have teamed with the Idaho Historical Museum to present a global exhibit entitled Idaho Celebrates 50 Years of Peace Corps Service. On March 1st, 1961 President John F. Kennedy officially established the Peace Corps, a federal agency devoted to world peace and friendship. Over the past fifty years more than 1,300 Idahoans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in countries all over the world.
This unique exhibition illustrates the history of the Peace Corps from 1961 to 2011 and features the rich experiences of 15 returned volunteers. The exhibit shares the stories of returned Peace Corps volunteers through personal accounts, photos, and traditional and artistic artifacts brought back from their countries of service. The exhibit explores the impact returned volunteers have made on their community and connections between global and local volunteer projects, as well as blossoming diversity in Idaho. In addition, the exhibit will feature Peace Corps documentary videos, recruitment materials, books, and maps.
First Thursday events on March 3rd and April 7th will include presentations from returned volunteers, as well as music and activities for children. Come speak with volunteers about their experiences on Saturdays through out the months of March and April. The exhibit will be open from March 1st to May 1st.
For questions about the exhibit or to request a returned Peace Corps volunteer speaker please contact: IRPCV50th@gmail.com.