State Department Coordination
Until 1938, the U.S. was the only major power that did not engage in government-sponsored international cultural programs. By 1959, however, such programs had become so extensive that the State Department persuaded President Eisenhower (1890–1969) to establish a bureau to coordinate the efforts of fifteen separate agencies. These slide prints were part of a presentation delivered to Eisenhower, his cabinet, and ambassadors by State Department official Robert H. Thayer (1901–1984). The newspaper article by Thayer’s sister-in-law, society columnist Mary V. R. Thayer (1902–1983), explained cultural diplomacy to the public.
Until 1938, the U.S. was the only major power that did not engage in government-sponsored international cultural programs. By 1959, however, such programs had become so extensive that the State Department persuaded President Eisenhower (1890–1969) to establish a bureau to coordinate the efforts of fifteen separate agencies. These slide prints were part of a presentation delivered to Eisenhower, his cabinet, and ambassadors by State Department official Robert H. Thayer (1901–1984). The newspaper article by Thayer’s sister-in-law, society columnist Mary V. R. Thayer (1902–1983), explained cultural diplomacy to the public.