On March 22, 2018, Ambassador Barbara Barrett (ret.) and Amb. Brenda LaGrange Johnson (ret.) co-hosted an evening reception at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The reception openings with remarks from Foundation Chair Amb. William C. Harrop (ret.). Amb. Harrop spoke about the Foundation’s partnership with the United States (US) Department of State to build the Diplomacy Center*, as well as the Diplomacy Center’s mission to educate the public on the work of Foreign Service Officers and others in the diplomatic community. Foundation Vice President Amb. Roman Popadiuk (ret.) further elaborated on the Foundation’s capital campaign and introduced keynote speaker Dan Quayle, 44th Vice President of the United States.

In his remarks, Vice President Quayle shared several stories from his time in office as Vice President and recounting his experiences serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Vice President Quayle also expressed the importance of dedicating a museum to diplomacy, so that current and future generations can be educated about the history of American diplomacy and understand the ongoing role of diplomats in our ever-changing world. Vice President Quayle said, “Since the founding of our nation, diplomacy has been a key tool in furthering our national security and our economic growth and in addressing international crises. Through its exhibits and programs, the United States Diplomacy Center will help educate future generations about the important role of American diplomacy. I am delighted to see that steps are being taken to recognize this important part of our national legacy.”

*On November 5, 2019, the United States Diplomacy Center formally changed its name to the National Museum of American Diplomacy.