The Department of State celebrated its 230th anniversary on July 27, 2019. This milestone presents a unique opportunity to highlight the Department’s storied history and heritage and the important role of U.S. diplomacy – past, present, and future. To commemorate this anniversary, on July 29, the Department marked this special occasion with a daylong celebration hosted by Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. Under the theme of “One Team, One Mission, One Future,” the commemoration featured a live discussion between the Dean of American Secretaries of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and his official biographer, Dr. Niall Ferguson; a film featuring comments by Secretary George P. Shultz and Secretary Madeline Albright; a panel discussion with historians; and more.
Highlights from the Celebration
Check out this DipNote blog providing an overview of the day’s events and these photos from the event.
Secretary’s Remarks
Secretary Pompeo (July 29): “We at the State Department follow in the footsteps of our forefathers. We use diplomacy to defend that very set of unalienable rights – not just for Americans, but for people all across the world…It’s our turn to pave the way for those who will come after us…This was the vision behind the department-wide effort to create the Professional Ethos, which we rolled out this past April. The Ethos simply lays out commitments that unite every single person who is working on behalf of the State Department.”
Deputy Secretary’s Remarks
Deputy Secretary Sullivan (July 29): “Our State Department team members shape the world, and your contributions will make history. The work that you do every day to advance our mission builds upon that strong foundation laid by our forbearers. As we reflect on 230 years of American diplomacy, we must continue to draw on and learn from our past, as we look forward to advance our values and priorities as one team, with one mission, and one future.”
230 Years of History
Want to learn more about our history?
Check out these resources:
- National Archives: 1789-1906 Records
- National Archives: Foreign Policy and Foreign Affairs
- National Archives: Records of U.S. Embassies, Legations, Consulates General, Consulates, and Missions
- Office of the Historian
- The United States Diplomacy Center
- Foreign Service Journal Archive: 100 Years of Diplomatic History
- State: Foreign Service Institute
- State: Foreign Service Institute History