Our Collections
The U.S. Diplomacy Center collections hold more than 6,000 artifacts, over 200 of which are currently on display in exhibitions. The USDC collects artifacts that tell the story of American diplomacy – from its present-day practice and challenges to its storied history. Artifacts backed by good stories help illustrate how diplomacy is grounded in day-to-day activities performed by real people.
Artifacts in the USDC collections range in date from the 18th century to the present. They represent the activities, events, and people who have engaged in American diplomacy throughout our country’s history.
Read more about featured artifacts from the collections.
Examples of artifacts in the USDC collections include:
- Documents and historic pens;
- Flags and medals;
- Gifts to Secretaries of State and Ambassadors from foreign officials;
- Clothing worn by diplomats, including a 19th century diplomatic uniform;
- Diplomatic courier bags and security items;
- Passports, visas, and photographs associated with diplomats and their families;
- Items from embassies and their operations, including visitor logs;
- Technology and tools such as consular seals and early computers;
- Material from public diplomacy programs, including posters and fliers; and
- Photographic records and other printed media.
