The Peace Corps Community Archive curated by the American University Library collects, preserves, and makes available materials that were created and acquired by Peace Corps Volunteers. The archive is used to support student and scholarly research, create exhibits, and provide educational and public programs that document the experiences and impact of individuals who served in the Peace Corps.
What the Community Archive
Needs from You
Started in 2013, the archive continues to solicit donations from RPCVs. Materials created and/or acquired by volunteers during their service can be donated, such as: correspondence, diaries, film, photographs, reports, lesson plans, scrapbooks, and sound recordings.
Why You Should Donate Materials to the Community Archive
Personal memorabilia from RPCVs’ service are needed in order to create a living history of the Peace Corps and the communities where volunteers have served. In order for the archive to provide rich and detailed information about this history, it must include materials from as many different countries of service and time periods as possible. By donating to the archive you will be ensuring that your personal legacy of Peace Corps service will not be forgotten; instead, your service will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come.
Donate to the Collection
If you are interested in making a donation please contact the archive at archives@american.edu or by telephone at +1 (202) 885-3256. Our archivists will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process of making a donation.
American University & the Peace Corps
American University has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the Peace Corps, including President Kennedy’s commencement speech on peace in 1963. American University’s location in Washington DC, near the National Archives and Peace Corps Headquarters, makes it a very convenient location for RPCVs and future scholars to visit.