Secretary Madeleine Albright served our nation with dedication and distinction in many public roles from Ambassador to the United Nations (1993 – 1997) to serving as the 64th United States Secretary of State (1997 – 2001). Her life exemplified the strong spirit and tradition of diplomatic service which also extended into her career as a teacher at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She was a strong advocate of diplomacy and made a commitment to build a museum of American diplomacy at the Department of State with a “Breakthrough for Diplomacy” event in 2000. Out of that commitment has grown the National Museum of American Diplomacy. The Diplomacy Center Foundation (DCF) deeply appreciates her vision to bring the vital importance of American diplomacy to public attention.
Secretary Albright will be memorialized in the Museum with an exhibit that features her contributions as Secretary of State – the first woman in US history to hold the position. The exhibit will also feature a unique display of pins and brooches that she wore in subtle ways to communicate in her diplomatic interactions with her interlocutors.
“She was a pioneer and leader as Secretary of State in combining hard work, deep knowledge, and strong interest in fair and equal treatment for women and others disadvantaged in our society,” says DCF Board Chairman Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering who served under Secretary Albright as undersecretary for political affairs.
“Secretary Albright’s dedication to diplomacy and the men and women who conduct our diplomacy will leave a lasting impression, ” says DCF President, Ambassador Roman Popadiuk. “Her service will inspire future generations to undertake careers in diplomacy and to appreciate its value to our nation’s security.”
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Secretary Albright. She has left a legacy that we will honor through the Museum.