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Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-111
Nancy Cooper served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire from July 1990 to October 1991 in healthcare administration. She had previously sold a successful business and retired at the age of 48. She applied with her husband Gary after seeing a Peace Corps television ad seeking older volunteers. Their training included an orientation in New Orleans; three months of French, history, and culture classes in Bukavu, Zaire; and a home stay in a small local village. Cooper was assigned to work in the town of Kimpese with the director of the local medical service. She traveled around to villages to provide basic healthcare services and education. After economic turmoil and rioting erupted in Zaire, the Coopers were evacuated from their site to Kinshasa, and then by boat to Brazzaville, Central African Republic. Nancy later returned with Crisis Corps, which led to a second evacuation down the Congo River to the coast. Interviewed and recorded by Julius (Jay) Sztuk, June 22, 2019. 2 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-110
Nancy Janus served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tunisia from May 1967 to September 1970 as an English teacher. Nancy and her husband decided to join Peace Corps around the time they married, in order to avoid her husband being drafted. She had some fluency in French and believes that led to an invitation to serve in North Africa. Janus trained at Brown University and studied Arabic. The couple was stationed in Monastir and Nancy taught English at the boys' high school. She discusses the living conditions and her relationships with students and fellow teachers. She extended for a third year and was given the option of moving to Morocco, or staying in Tunisia and working in a different capacity. She chose Tunisia and worked on birth control outreach. Interviewed and recorded by Julius (Jay) Sztuk, June 21, 2019. 1 digital audio file.
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-109
Cutter Uhlhorn served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia from January 2017 to March 2019 as an English teacher. He grew up in a small Texas farming community near the Mexican border. After completing college and returning home, he ultimately decided to apply to the Peace Corps. He was interested in post-Soviet states, but because he had some proficiency in Spanish, he was first invited to Panama. He did not pass the medical clearance for that assignment, but re-applied later and was invited to Colombia. Uhlhorn initially taught English in Tomarrazon, but was transferred due to security concerns. His second short assignment was in Riohacha. Interviewed and recorded by Julius (Jay) Sztuk, June 20, 2019. 2 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-108
Margaret (Mardi) Nott served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin from June 1991 to September 1994 as a math teacher. Her interest in travel began early, and she decided at age 13 that she would accomplish that goal by joining the Peace Corps when she became eligible. Nott's training was conducted in country and included intensive language training in French as well as a home stay with a local family. After training she was assigned to a school in the city of Ouidah, where she taught math for the duration of her initial tour, plus a one year extension. In the interview, Nott discusses her integration into the community where she was assigned, and a multi-day bicycle trip through Togo to a beach resort in Ghana. Interviewed and recorded by Julius (Jay) Sztuk, June 19, 2019. 1 digital audio file.
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-105
Mary Ward served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador from 1984 to 1986. Being blind herself, she worked with other blind people in a special education program. She was initially assigned to work as an administrator in Quito, where she worked with blind teenagers. However, due to some difficulties at her first site, she was soon reassigned to Cuenca, where she worked with both a local school and with a club of blind adults called Home for the Blind. Ward states that the Peace Corps changed her view of the world, showing her how to appreciate the good in both her own culture and that of her host country, while acknowledging the shortcomings of both. Through her experience, she has learned to worry less and has gained a greater appreciation of personal relationships. Interviewed and recorded by Christeen Pusch, June 22, 2019. 2 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-104
Tamatha Nibert served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines from 1992 to 1995 in a forestry project. She had training in Tablas before being stationed in the town of Viga in Catanduanes province. In addition to her social forestry work, Nibert helped her community start a paper-making business. She dealt with all aspects of the business from securing funds for the building, researching which dyes to use, and assisting with marketing. The business has provided employment and an additional source of income for many women in the community who were previously homemakers. It still exists today, and Nibert continues to remain in contact with friends from her community as well as their children. Her experience helped her define herself, taught her the importance of having fun, and helped her build confidence. Interviewed and recorded by Christeen Pusch, June 18, 2019. 2 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-103
Edwin L. Blanton III served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Dominica from January 2004 to January 2005 on a youth and community development project. He was stationed in Loubiere and assigned to work with the Village Council Community Center to help develop their programs. He also worked with a neighboring school, where he led public speaking classes and coached the Special Olympics. Blanton had to leave the Peace Corps after only one year due to medical issues, but has remained active in the community. He and another returned volunteer started a non-profit called "Ready, Willing...Enable! Inc." Through the non-profit, they have worked closely with special needs children in Dominica and have returned to the country several times. Blanton feels the Peace Corps taught him patience and helped him step outside of his comfort zone. Interviewed and recorded by Christeen Pusch, June 16, 2019. 1 digital audio file.
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-020-005
Dan Wagner served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco from 1968 to 1970. He worked on engineering projects in the area of the Atlas Mountains. Interviewed and recorded by Robert Klein, April 24, 2002. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-002
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." James Bartley served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1964 to 1966. Interviewed by phone, February 16, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-003
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Charles R. Baquet served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Somalia from 1965 to 1967. Interviewed in person, February 3, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-005
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Homer L. Butler served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo from 1962 to 1964. He later joined the Peace Corps staff in Senegal and Chad. Interviewed by phone, February 15, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-006
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." George Carter served as Peace Corps director in Ghana in the early 1960s. He later held positions at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. Interviewed by phone, March 21, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-008
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Dr. Collie Coleman served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1966 to 1968. Interviewed by phone, January 14, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-009
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." David L. Crippens served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1964 to 1966. Interviewed by phone, January 20, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-012
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Drew S. Days III served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras from 1967 to 1969. Interviewed in person, February 3, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-014
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Patricia F. Eaton served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho from 1967 to 1970. Interviewed in person, March 15, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-015
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Melvin Foote served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia from 1973 to 1975. Interviewed in person, March 14, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-016
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Marie Gadsden served on Peace Corps staff in Kenya and Uganda from 1965 to 1967; as training coordinator in Washington, D.C., from 1968 to 1970; and as country director in Togo from 1970 to 1972. Interviewed in person, January 13, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-018
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Charles Gray served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1966 to 1968. Interviewed in person, February 2, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-020
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." LaCharles James served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia from 1966 to 1968. Interviewed by phone, March 11, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-019
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Yvette Hunt served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda in the 1960s. Interviewed by phone, March 2, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-021
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Roland H. Johnson served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya from 1964 to 1966 on land settlement project. Interviewed in person, January 25, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-022
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Leander Jones served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Somalia from 1964 to 1966. Interviewed by phone, April 8, 1994. 1 tape (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-004
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Yvette Burgess served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria from 1961 to 1964. Interviewed by phone, June 8, 1996. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).
Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2002-014-017
Part of a series of research interviews conducted by Jonathan Zimmerman for his article "Beyond Double Consciousness: Black Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa, 1961-1971." Ophelia Gona served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana from 1961 to 1962. Interviewed in person, January 14, 1994. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).