National Museum of American Diplomacy

07/24/2025

On this day in 1959, Vice President Richard Nixon found himself debating the merits of capitalism versus communism with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in an unlikely location: the kitchen of a model American home on display in Moscow during the American National Exhibition, held from July 25 to September 4, 1959.

U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Affairs Officer Hans Tuch provided impromptu translations for Nixon in this unorthodox debate, playfully dubbed the “Kitchen Cabinet.”

Learn more: https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/hans-tuchs-kitchen-cabinet-certificate/

Image Descriptions:
1. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev (middle), and Vice President Richard Nixon (right) in the kitchen of a model American home on display in Moscow. Credit: Universal Images Group via Getty Images.
2. Khrushchev (right) “berating” U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Affairs Officer Hans Tuch (left) about U.S. contemporary art. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American Diplomacy.
3. Certificate awarded to Tuch for his involvement in the “Kitchen Cabinet.” Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

07/21/2025

This month, NMAD joined K-12 educators at The White House Historical Association's White House History Teacher Institute to introduce an engaging diplomacy simulation for students.

The educators stepped into the shoes of real-life diplomats and international stakeholders to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Barbary pirates hostage crisis of 1793, applying their problem-solving skills to a real historical event.

Learn more about NMAD's Diplomacy Simulation Program, which helps educators bring diplomacy into the classroom: https://diplomacy.state.gov/education/diplomacy-simulations/

07/17/2025

Did you know? Some of the most famous American writers were U.S. diplomats! ✍️🌎

Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” served as Minister to Spain, as an attaché in Madrid, and as a secretary in the U.S. legation in London. His diplomatic experience influenced his literary works, and his fame as an author brought his writings about Spanish culture and politics to a wide American audience.

📷: Irving’s Sunnyside estate, one of his diplomatic uniforms, and his diplomatic dress sword at Historic Hudson Valley.

07/14/2025

Critical thinking, strong communication, and creative problem-solving skills aren’t just part of the diplomatic toolkit. They are qualities that leaders in every field need to succeed! 🛠️🧠

Students with the National Youth Science Academy’s National Youth Science Camp recently visited us in DC for one of our diplomacy simulations, where they worked together as international actors to detect and respond to a public health crisis.

Check out the simulation here: https://diplomacy.state.gov/teacher-resources/international-ebola-crisis/

07/10/2025

✏️🔊Calling all educators: NMAD has a new teacher resource!

This activity teaches students about the many strategies diplomats use to de-escalate tensions, build relationships, and find solutions everyone can agree on.

Want to learn more or introduce your students to the diplomatic toolkit? Check out the activity here➡️

Students will engage in an activity that challenges them to think critically about diplomatic strategies. In this activity, students will analyze the tools of diplomacy in order to examine the incentives and disincentives of tactics used by diplomats to achieve their goals.

07/08/2025

Last month, Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit participants took part in one of our diplomacy simulations, where students worked as U.S. diplomats and other international stakeholders to find common solutions to an international crisis. The globally-minded participants used their creative problem-solving and leadership skills to reach peaceful resolutions.

Learn more about NMAD’s Diplomacy Simulation Program: https://diplomacy.state.gov/education/diplomacy-simulations/

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day! On this day in 1776, the United States’ founders not only signed the Declaration of Independence, the first U.S. foreign policy document, but also resolved to create a formal seal that would represent the new nation.

The Great Seal, which reflects the beliefs and values of the Founding Fathers, is used today on official documents, affixed on U.S. missions across the globe, and represented on diplomatic gifts.

Read more about the Great Seal and its role in U.S. diplomacy:
https://diplomacy.state.gov/the-great-seal/

05/09/2025

NMAD mourns the passing of Amb. Ruth Davis, a trailblazing diplomat who held several esteemed positions through her career. Amb. Davis was a friend and supporter of NMAD, participating in our programs and serving on the board of DCF. Her warmth and wisdom will be missed by all.

03/11/2025

We’re happy to announce that we have entered the final phase of a long-planned re-installation. In early 2026, we will be debuting two brand new exhibition halls. 🗺️🇺🇲

Stay tuned on social media for the latest updates on our construction!

01/02/2025

Today, the National Museum of American Diplomacy pauses to reflect on the remarkable life of our nation’s 39th president, James Earl Carter Jr. (October 1, 1924 - December 29, 2024).

President Carter entered the Oval Office with limited diplomatic experience, but would go on to achieve a tenure of great foreign policy successes and face complicated challenges, including:

➡️Improved the relationship between the United States and the USSR with the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) II in 1979
➡️Normalized diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1978
➡️Facilitated the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that became the Camp David Accords
➡️Navigated and brokered the release of the Iran Hostage Crisis victims in the final days of his term

President Carter’s steadfast global humanitarianism remained core to his approach to American diplomacy and continued on for the remainder of his life. Today, we commemorate his legacy of passion for a more peaceful world for all.

Image Descriptions:

Image 1: 3/24/1979-Elk City, Oklahoma: President Jimmy Carter addressing a town meeting. American flag is hung in background. (Bettman/Getty Images)
Image 2: American President Jimmy Carter, left, and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev meet for the first time, June 15, 1979 in Vienna. (AP Photo)
Image 3: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter shakes the hands of eager schoolchildren during his historic trip to Cuba with the Carter Center in 2002. (The Carter Center)

12/26/2024

Now presenting NMAD’s 2024 Year in Review!

A special thank you to all of our visitors, educators, and programming partners for making this year so memorable.

2025 is going to be a big one at the museum. Stay tuned! 👀

12/24/2024

Wishing our amazing community a season full of peace and joy! ❄️☃️ Thank you for making this year at NMAD so memorable. We look forward to an exciting year ahead in 2025 ➡️ 🎉🌟