Our History

For 65 years, Meridian has been the place where global leaders and emerging changemakers across all sectors come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape diplomacy. Through our immersive trainings, exchanges, and high-level convenings, we create space for conversations that shape solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges.

America's Gateway to the World

In 1960, with support from a Ford Foundation grant, Meridian House became a center for international exchange, partnering with the U.S. Department of State to foster cooperation during the Cold War. White-Meyer House, the childhood home of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, was added to the campus in 1987, and together, these properties form a four-acre hub. Today, our campus is at the heart of our mission and stands as America’s gateway to the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of leaders, including 180 heads of state, through our exchange programs.

65 Years of Global Impact

Our historic campus serves as a trusted, nonpartisan space where global leaders, ideas, and cultures converge to address urgent challenges. Amid the divisiveness of our modern world, a place like Meridian is needed more than ever. U.S. presidents and secretaries of state turn to Meridian as a trusted partner in advancing American security and prosperity. Ambassadors view Meridian as an “embassy of all embassies” and a place to connect with American leaders. Leaders from the private sector and civil society rely on us to help them navigate a complex global landscape. Through global education, exchange, and cultural programs, we work with leaders from the U.S. and around the world to strengthen international partnerships. Our 325,000+ alumni have held positions as heads of state, led Fortune 500 companies, and guided major institutions like the United Nations, showcasing Meridian’s lasting influence on global leadership.

Timeline

1940s - 1950s: The Birth of Citizen Diplomacy

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States stepped into a new role as a global leader—promoting peace, rebuilding trust, and fostering mutual understanding through diplomacy. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of State greatly expanded its international exchange programs, inviting leaders from countries such as Germany and Japan to visit the U.S. and experience American culture and democratic institutions firsthand.

Recognizing the importance of welcoming these guests with context and care, the American Council on Education proposed an orientation program to introduce foreign visitors to American life. The result was the founding of the Washington International Center in 1949, a pioneering initiative designed to offer cultural, educational, and logistical support to international visitors arriving in Washington, D.C.

From its modest downtown office, the Center hosted lectures, guided tours, and fostered community engagement. What truly set the Center apart was its citizen-to-citizen model. With the help of over 200 volunteers and 900 host families, the Center offered home stays, social events, and cultural programs—building lifelong connections and mutual understanding between Americans and their global counterparts.

By 1958, the Center had welcomed over 4,500 government-sponsored visitors in a single year and was rapidly outgrowing its space.

1960: Meridian House International

As demand grew, the Center sought a space that could match its ambitions. The opportunity came with Meridian House—a former ambassador’s residence on 16th Street NW, located just a mile from the White House. Thanks to a transformative grant from the Ford Foundation, the Center purchased and renovated the house into a purpose-built hub for diplomacy.

In 1960, the organization was formally incorporated. This new nonprofit united the efforts of several fragmented groups serving international visitors and created Washington’s first centralized hub for global exchange. Under the leadership of Dr. Arthur A. Hauck and support from leaders like NASA Administrator James E. Webb, the Foundation became a nexus for diplomacy and public-private collaboration.

From this new home, the organization expanded its programming—offering art exhibitions, policy forums, global leadership programs, and cultural exchange initiatives—all designed to strengthen U.S. engagement with the world.

1970s - Expanding U.S. Diplomacy with the U.S. Department of State

In 1974, the U.S. Department of State tapped Meridian to implement the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the government’s premier exchange initiative. Originally launched in 1940, the IVLP brought over 5,000 global leaders to the U.S. annually to engage with their American counterparts. Meridian played a critical role tailoring immersive, nationwide programs for visitors—from young professionals to heads of state like Margaret Thatcher and Anwar Sadat—highlighting American democracy, culture, and leadership.

By 1975, the Visitor Program Service (VPS)—a key IVLP operator—relocated to Meridian House. Working closely with U.S. embassies and local communities, VPS designed exchanges blending professional development with cultural immersion.

1977-1989 The Jova Decade

Under Ambassador Joseph Jova (1977–1989), Meridian expanded its vision as a global diplomacy hub. It launched the World Affairs Studies Program, featuring high-level dialogues with figures like Dr. Henry Kissinger and George H.W. Bush. Jova also prioritized two-way cultural exchange, introducing public exhibitions and major international symposia, including Mexico Today and the U.S.-Korea Centennial.

1987 - Campaign for Crescent Place

By the late 1980s, Meridian had become a cornerstone of diplomacy and cultural exchange—but its growing footprint required additional space. Just behind Meridian House stood another historic residence: the White-Meyer House, a 1912 Beaux-Arts mansion once home to prominent Ambassador Henry White and former Washington Post publisher Eugene Meyer. The building’s proximity and historical significance made it the ideal expansion site for Meridian’s growing programs and staff.

In 1987, Meridian launched the Campaign for Crescent Place, a multimillion-dollar capital initiative to acquire and restore the White-Meyer House and surrounding property. With strong support from private donors, foundations, and government leaders, the campaign reflected Meridian’s growing stature as a convener for diplomacy and cross-sector dialogue.

1990s - Renovations

Following the successful acquisition of the White-Meyer House, Meridian embarked on a series of major renovations to preserve the historic character of both homes while modernizing the campus to support 21st-century diplomacy. These efforts included structural restoration, accessibility upgrades, and new facilities for convenings, exhibitions, and collaborative work.

2000s - A United Campus

Meridian entered the 2000s with a clear mandate: to unify its diverse programs and affiliates under a single vision for diplomacy in a changing global landscape. The Cold War had ended, and soft power had become an essential diplomatic tool—one that Meridian had helped pioneer. As cultural exchange became a recognized norm rather than an experiment in international goodwill, Meridian formalized its role in shaping this new diplomacy.

In 1992, Meridian House International officially became Meridian International Center, a name change that reflected its increasingly central role in international engagement. With this rebranding came the strategic consolidation of its affiliated organizations: the Visitor Program Service became the Professional Exchanges Division, while the Washington International Center and International Visitor Information Services were integrated into Meridian’s unified mission. The Hospitality and Information Service (THIS) continued its operations from Meridian House, remaining a key partner in diplomatic engagement.

Under the leadership of Ambassador Walter Cutler, who served as president for 17 years, Meridian expanded its capacity and reach. The organization deepened its arts and culture programming through successful traveling exhibitions and launched education-focused initiatives like the International Classroom Project. In the early 2000s, the establishment of the GlobalConnect Division enabled Meridian to manage increasingly complex, custom exchange programs supported by high-level government grants.

With over 1,200 volunteers nationwide and a staff of 120, Meridian flourished as a hub where diplomacy, leadership, and the arts intersected.

Meridian Today

In the 21st century, as the global order continues to evolve, Meridian has remained steadfast in its mission to empower leaders for the next era of diplomacy. With 65 years of experience connecting leaders across borders and sectors, Meridian plays an essential role in building the relationships that underpin diplomacy in an era of rapid change and technological transformation.

Today, Meridian prepares leaders to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape by fostering geopolitical resilience, advancing U.S. economic competitiveness, and strengthening alliances and partnerships. Through programs that equip changemakers with tools to lead, we help shape a more secure and prosperous future.