Peace Corps History
Timeline of Major Events
October 14, 1960 ― While campaigning for the presidency, then-Senator John F. Kennedy (MA-D) addresses students at the University of Michigan, challenging them to contribute two years of their lives to help people in countries of the developing world. March 1961 ― Within weeks of his inauguration, President Kennedy signs Executive Order 10924, establishing the Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. He appoints Sargent Shriver to be the first director. August 28, 1961 ― President Kennedy hosts a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden in honor of the first groups of Peace Corps volunteers departing for…
