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 the National Museum of American Diplomacy, Ambassador Loeb says, “I have been delighted to be a part of this exciting new Museum under the leadership of Ambassador Roman Popadiuk.”
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. Courtesy of Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr.