Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum

Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum and Library

March 2017  Atlanta

"Before we went to the Jimmy Carter Museum,

I thought Jimmy Carter was just a president who didn't do much and smiled a lot.

But no, Jimmy Carter worked hard to make the world a better place,

even after his presidency!"

-Ellie

This portrait by Octavio Ocampo was a gift from President Portillo of Mexico in 1979.

Look closely.  There are fascinating stories in this portrait.

Jimmy grew up in the segregated South. 

Most of his childhood friends were black.
They lived in the same neighborhood and played together, 
but could not go to the same school. 

After college, Jimmy went into the Navy and worked on submarines.  He worked hard and rose to the rank of lieutenant.  When he returned home for his father's funeral, he saw the impact his father had had on his community and determined that he could make more of a difference staying there and taking over the family business than continuing on in the Navy.

He and Rosalyn took over Carter farms and the warehouse his father had operated.

He had little interest in politics, but decided to run for state senate in 1962

 when he heard the opposing candidate declare that he would close Georgia's public schools if even one black student were allowed to attend a white school.

The election was rigged; Carter lost.  He contested the results and won.

He became President 14 years later. 

 Jimmy Carter worked hard to negotiate peace between Egypt and Israel.

Rosalyn Carter was a trusted advisor of her husband.

She visited foreign diplomats and strongly advocated for mental health.

She was very active and influential in her role as First Lady

and continues to work hard to serve others.

In 1982, the Carters established the Carter Center, which works around the world to

resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease.

"The Center has spearheaded the international effort to eradicate Guinea worm disease,

which is poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated."

 

In 2002, Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize 

"for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts,

to advance democracy and human rights,

and to promote economic and social development."

It would be amazing to get to sit down with the Carters

 and hear some of the stories of how they have worked hard to help others,

from fiery diplomats to filthy children with worms in their feet.

They seem to have beautiful hearts.  They love God and love people.

We're thankful for what these great people have done for our country and our world.