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Friends of the Dominican Republic

    The Museum of the Peace Corps Experience

    The Museum of the Peace Corps Experience collects and preserves stories and objects of material culture donated by volunteers who serve in communities around the globe. It fosters cultural understanding through education and promotes research on the impact of Peace Corps, encouraging visitors to serve—wherever they live, however they can.

     

    Objects and stories donated by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) anchor the Museum’s professionally curated collections. Items of interest include functional and decorative objects of material culture, such as occupational and household tools, textiles, ceramics, crafts, artworks, masks, and ceremonial items acquired during years of service. 

     

    Contributions

    The Museum collects objects of material culture and stories for preservation, exhibition, education, and research.  Objects of interest include, but are not limited to, those associated with:

    • specific Peace Corps programs (malaria or HIV eradication, agriculture, or teaching)
    • challenges that volunteers faced with language, health, transportation, or food relationships with local residents
    • significant Peace Corps events, people, or locales
    • occupational practices (traditional agriculture, medicine, or food preparation)
    • tools, equipment, household items, or clothing used by volunteers or local residents
    • the arts including folkart, musical instruments, or other forms of creative expression made by volunteers or local artists

     

    Personal stories behind the items donated by volunteers are an important part of the Museum’s collections. A compelling story brings an object to life and enhances the visitor’s experience. It provides a cultural context in which to view the object and understand its meaning. 

     

    The Museum Also curates exhibits which may be lent to local and regional RPCV groups. 

     

    We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your proposals. 
    Questions?  Contact us at contactus@peacecorpsmuseum.org

     

    (Please note: Items such as diaries, letters, or photographs will be considered only if they accompany other donated objects. The Peace Corps Community Archive at American University collects and preserves these materials, plus journals, reports, lesson plans, scrapbooks, photographs, and film, video, and audio recordings)

     

    Preserving the Peace Corps Legacy

    The mission of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Archives Project is to preserve the Peace Corps experience since its inception through in-depth oral interviews of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), Staff and Counterparts. 

     

    Interviews are conducted by volunteer RPCVs and archived at the University of Kentucky Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Since its inception in 1999, over 800 interviews have been recorded and archived.

     

    In the words of founder Klein:

     

    "We believe that the history of the Peace Corps lies within the unique experience of each Peace Corps Volunteer. Thus, the goal of the Project is to build up a comprehensive collection of firsthand narratives by those who have served. These interviews epitomize the special character of Peace Corps service --- we are part of the Peace Corps project but we serve as individuals." 

     

    Robert Klein in “Archival Project,” October 11, 2011

     

    If you are interested in participating in the Peace Corps Oral History Project by being interviewed, becoming an interviewer, or becoming an indexer for previous interviews, you can contact the project at: www.peacecorpsoralhistory.org

     

    Over 520 interviews were recorded on audiocassette tapes and are indexed in the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection at the JFK Library. Beginning in 2015 interviews are recorded digitally and can be accessed online. Funds are currently being raised to digitize this library so it will be accessible to the public. Learn how you can contribute at: www.peacecorpsoralhistory.org

    Make a Gift

    Please consider aiding development projects in the Dominican Republic.

    Donate

    FDR is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible. 

     

    Wondering what to do with your collection of Peace Corps materials?

    The Answer is: You can donate them to the Friends of the Dominican Republic (FDR) Section of the Peace Corps Community Archives at American University.

    What are the Peace Corps Community Archives?

    The Peace Corps Community Archives (PCCA) is a collection of materials that were created and acquired by Peace Corps Volunteers from around the world that are being preserved to support research, create exhibits and provide information for educational and public programs that document the experiences and impact of individual Volunteers that served in the Peace Corps.

    How can I donate to the Peace Corps Community Archives?

    Just send an email to president@fotdr.org and ask for the information about how to donate your collection of PC materials to the FDR Section of the PC Community Archives. You will receive the donation materials electronically by return email. Not only will your collection be available for your children, your family, and your heirs, it will be shared with generations of researchers and authors for years to come! 

    Opportunities to become involved with Friends of the Dominican Republic (FDR)

    In addition to FDR’s two grant programs, FDR offers a variety of services for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and staff members who served in the DR. These include a database of former DR Volunteers and PC staff members; La Voz, a regular electronic newsletter; assistance with Professional Development-Networking for Volunteers leaving the DR at the end of their service; and opportunities to work on several FDR projects such as the Community Challenge Fund; the DR In-Country Committee/Program Support Fund; Third Goal Program; the Communications-Website-Social Media Committee; the History Committee; the Membership Committee; the Growth Committee; and, the Fundraising Committee. For more information about these projects and committees, contact the president@fotdr.org.

           
     

    		 

    We are an affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).

    NPCA is the nonprofit alumni network at the center of a vibrant community of over 220,000 people who share the Peace Corps experience. NPCA champions lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals by connecting, engaging and promoting its members and affiliate groups as they continue to make a difference in communities in the U.S. and abroad. NPCA is also dedicated to advocating for, contributing to, and supporting the betterment of the Peace Corps. Visit NPCA to learn more.