Peace was not simply the absence of battle. For the Iroquois Confederacy peace represented a state of mind. One heart, one mind, one head, and one body enabled the Confederacy to remain united in the face of conquest and European expansionism. More importantly, the concept of peace was based on the spiritual power of each individual. As one progresses through life’s journey, the individual experiences different things, learns more, and connects to other forms of spiritual power; in the process the individual’s spirit grows as well. The ultimate power of the “Great Law of Peace” rests in how well the individual person develops his or her sense of self and, in so doing, develops that sense with regard to the welfare of others in the clan, village, nation, and the entire Confederacy.
Charles F. Howlett and Ian M. Harris
Books, Not Bombs: Teaching Peace Since the Dawn of the Republic
There exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity;
…the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.
George Washington (1732 – 1799)
First Presidential Inaugural Address, 1789
American Museum of Peace (AMP): A Vision to Build On
Staffed by trained professionals, interns and volunteers with a personal commitment to peace, AMP’s constantly evolving multi-media exhibits, activities, workshops, special events, speaker series, receptions and tours will be designed to increase awareness of America’s tradition of peace while engaging visitors of all ages to reflect on the qualities and actions that promote peace.
The AMP will use its theaters, stage and conference rooms for hosting seminars, concerts, theatrical performances, readings and group activities related to peace. AMP visitors will be invited to participate in interactive workshops designed to encourage reflective thinking, creative expression and skills development. These programs will be scheduled throughout the day, integrated throughout the museum and varied in theme.
Special emphasis will be given to develop exhibits and activities on each floor that engage children of all ages. Drawing on the rich culture of American history, literature, music, art and film which portray the power of compassion and forgiveness to overcome conflict and the power of unity to meet challenges and progress, the American Museum of Peace will be a vibrant center that explores how to resolve discord, restore peace and live more harmoniously.
The AMP will integrate diverse mediums and technologies to present stories developed from primary and secondary source materials in ways that are engaging and accessible to all. Visitors will be able to customize their visit by accessing a wide range of stories about Americans committed to peace via computer consoles, iPAD-like kiosks and a resource library that will be available, onsite and online.
Drawing on contemporary game theory, theme-appropriate alternate reality games (ARGs) will be developed to strengthen cooperative, community-building skills.
Philosophic, Religious and Spiritual Affirmations
Acknowledging the oneness of the human family and the ways this affirmation is expressed in the philosophic, religious and spiritual traditions of Americans, the AMP will create a beautifully landscaped meditation garden, enhanced by sculpture and sacred texts of major faiths and traditions that affirm this oneness, the interdependent nature of creation and the qualities that give peace.
Museum Store and Cafe
The AMP museum store, onsite and online, will sell relevant books, prints and posters, decals, crafts, historic mementos and other unique theme-related items. The AMP Café will offer delicious vegetarian/vegan refreshments and school groups and families can request a daily lunch-box to enjoy in the café or as take-out.
AMPeaceTours
The AMP will offer AMPeaceTours™, created and led by AMP staff and representatives. Beginning with AMPeaceTours: Washington, DC, visitors can visit the sites, monuments, museums and landmarks that represent and honor American visionaries of peace.
Community-at-Large Resource
The AMP will be a national and local community resource. Its conference rooms and reception areas will be available to the community-at-large on a rental-basis for meetings, receptions and special events.
Nationwide Network
A cursory search reveals vast networks of Americans working for peace and on pathways to peace. The American Museum of Peace will be a supportive resource for these organizations, networks, museums, academic institutions and programs.
Current Status
The AMP is incorporated in the District of Columbia and registered as an approved 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization to be situated in Washington, DC.
We are exploring sites in the Washington, DC area, a central D.C. location with ample parking and in close proximity to the D.C. Metro, easily and safely accessible to local, national and international visitors. After years of exploration, we are seeking funds for the development of the American Museum of Peace (AMP).
In the meantime AMPeace.org has been launched to offer a glimpse of the vision and range of programs and exhibits to be offered at the American Museum of Peace Inc.
A good end cannot sanctify evil means;
nor must we do evil, that good may come of it…
To do evil that good may come of it is for bunglers in politics as well as morals.
William Penn (1644 -1718)
A falling tree makes more noise than a growing forest.
History is all too often told from the perspective of human tragedy and failure exemplified by violence and war. When differences between nations cannot be resolved by diplomacy, law, dialogue, negotiations, compromise, cooperation, and peaceful means and arms are taken up, historians quickly follow with their pens.
Peace, silent and normal – where human beings thrive and grow, is hardly sensational. The American Museum of Peace aims to change that perspective and extol the virtues of normal human conduct and qualities which rest upon love of family, community, nation, world, and the Creator as well as compassion and service toward one another.
This is how society actually functions. Even in commerce, success is best attained by meeting the legitimate needs of others.
Every day the forest grows quietly. Will you join us in looking up at its splendor?
Support the AMP
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1928 – 1968)