The Diplomacy Center Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $4 million from the Honorable John L. Loeb, Jr. to support the creation and maintenance of a gallery, exhibit, theater, and interactive film at the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD).
Located in Hall II: The History of American Diplomacy, the Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr., Gallery will explore the political and economic uncertainty faced by the United States following the end of the Revolutionary War. As the United States engaged in transatlantic commerce, conflicts with the Barbary Pirates made clear that the young nation could not survive without recognition, allies, and the means to defend itself.
“The Barbary Pirates Exhibit: Diplomacy, Treaties and Trade” will tell the story of the Barbary Pirate crises: the capture of US vessels and crew in the Mediterranean Sea, American diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, and the establishment of treaties and bilateral relationships to end the conflict. Through dynamic images and videos, historical objects, and interactive exhibits, the Ambassador John L. Loeb Gallery will explore how diplomacy served as a foundation for achieving the 1776 vision of a free and independent nation that prospered through equitable trade with other nations.
Ambassador Loeb’s contribution also supports the creation of the Museum’s theater. The Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Theater will be a multi-use space accommodating theatrical viewings, live presentations, and the Museum’s interactive “Be a Diplomat” experience. In “Be a Diplomat,” guests will step into the shoes of US diplomats to understand that negotiation and strategic decision-making are powerful tools of American diplomacy. Presented with the same information and choices as US diplomats, guests will decide how to proceed through one of four real-life scenarios. Thanks to the contribution of Ambassador Loeb, the story of the Barbary Pirates will be one of the four scenarios that guests will encounter.
Ambassador Loeb served as the US ambassador to Denmark from 1981 to 1983 and as a public delegate to the United Nations. He is a philanthropist and art collector, and he was the partner of the Wall Street investment banking firm Loeb, Rhoades and Co. from 1957 to 1979. He has long been a champion of religious freedom. In 2009, Ambassador Loeb built a unique visitor’s center on the campus of Touro Synagogue. Built in 1763 in Newport, Rhode Island, it is the oldest existing synagogue in America. In 2015, he received the Emma Lazarus Statue of Liberty Award from the American Jewish Historical Society.
Ambassador Loeb’s contribution builds upon his previous donation to the Diplomacy Center Foundation as a member of the Founding Ambassadors Society. The Society recognizes museum donors who are members of the presidentially appointed US diplomatic community.
“We greatly appreciate Ambassador Loeb’s generous support and continued passion for NMAD,” says Ambassador Roman Popadiuk (ret.), Diplomacy Center Foundation President. “The Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Gallery will provide significant space for guests to learn about the exciting and important formative years of American diplomacy, while The Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Theater will allow guests to experience diplomacy firsthand.”
On his newest support for NMAD, Ambassador Loeb says, “I have been delighted to be a part of this exciting new Museum under the leadership of Ambassador Roman Popadiuk.”
Images
Cover Image: Drawing of the Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Gallery by C&G Partners.
Additional Images:
- View Image: Drawing of The Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Theater by C&G Partners.
- View Image: Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. is photographed with members from different branches of the US military. During his tenure as the US ambassador to Denmark, Amb. Loeb spent considerable time with members of the US military and the Danish Air Force, Army, and Navy.
- View Image: Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr., his son, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark attend an event at the US ambassador’s residence in Rydhave, Denmark.
- View Image: Prince Henrik of Denmark and Amb. John L. Loeb, Jr. attend an event hosted in Prince Henrik’s honor at the home of Amb. Loeb’s parents in Westchester County, New York.
About the Diplomacy Center Foundation
The Diplomacy Center Foundation is the private-sector partner to the U.S. Department of State in creating the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD)—the first museum dedicated to sharing the history, practice, and challenges of American diplomacy. We support NMAD through generous donations made by individuals, foundations, and corporations. With these contributions, we aid NMAD in sharing stories of American diplomacy, honoring the contributions of the American diplomatic community, and preserving the legacy of American diplomacy for generations to come.
Twitter: @Diplomacy_DCF
Facebook: /DiplomacyCenterFoundation
Instagram: @diplomacycenterfoundation
About the National Museum of American Diplomacy
The National Museum of American Diplomacy is a museum under development at the U.S. Department of State. Our mission is to tell the story of the history, practice, and challenges of American diplomacy. Through exhibitions and programs, we hope to inspire the American public to discover diplomacy and how it impacts their lives every day.
Twitter: @NMADMuseum
Facebook: @NMADMuseum
Instagram: @NMADMuseum
Contact
Email
(202) 408-1007