Around the World in One Exhibit: Diplomatic Gifts in the Hagel Archives Opens
This exhibit runs through August 2023, on the first floor of Criss Library.
- published: 2023/06/22
- contact: Lori Schwartz - Archives and Special Collections
- phone: 402.554.2496
- email: lschwartz@unomaha.edu
Keris or Kris Madura Dagger and Scabbard
Hand Knotted Rug
Kings, prime ministers, defense ministers, generals, presidents, mayors, ambassadors, and chairmen, Chuck Hagel met with them all in his time as a U.S. senator from Nebraska from 1997 to 2009 and U.S. secretary of defense from 2013 to 2015. Hagel participated in many congressional delegations to foreign nations and received foreign dignitaries in the United States as part of his Senate service. Later, as a member of President Obama’s cabinet, his travel around the world was more extensive.
During diplomatic exchanges, host and guest often exchange gifts that capture the essence of the nation and demonstrate pride in its culture and people. More than a mere formality, they exchange gifts with the hope of cultivating and maintaining a diplomatic relationship. The Hagel Archives has an extensive collection of these gifts. From miners and missile pieces to gilded plates and daggers, the twenty gifts on display vary in size and value, but all demonstrate the importance of gifts and diplomacy in international statecraft.
This exhibit was curated by Lori Schwartz, Hagel and Technical Services Archivist / Assistant Professor.
Now Open for Research
When Hagel left the U.S. Senate, he donated his records to UNO. These records are used for research, instruction, and exhibits. Visitors may use the Hagel Archives in Archives and Special Collections, Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. We recommend researchers contact archivists in advance for help in selecting material. More information as well as digitized material and online exhibits are available at U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel Archives.
The Hagel Archives cover legislative issues and topics of national and international prominence that arose from 1997 to 2009, including the Clinton impeachment in 1998-1999, a contested presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the economic downtown of 2007-2009, and disaster and drought assistance for rural areas.