The Peace Corps

9 artifacts in this set

The Peace Corps is one of President John F. Kennedy’s most enduring legacies. Kennedy introduced the idea while campaigning on a chilly night in October 1960 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He challenged his youthful audience to consider serving their country for the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. President Kennedy officially established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961. It continues today.

Detailed Description

Wire Photograph, Peace Corps Volunteers at San Francisco International Airport, "Bound for Philippines," 1961

Photographic print

President John F. Kennedy recognized the Peace Corps as an opportunity to spread goodwill and as a positive weapon against the Cold War. Established March 1, 1961, by the end of the year, many Peace Corps volunteers had been trained and placed in overseas assignments. Here, a group leaves for the Philippines to serve as teachers' aides in country villages.