I truly believe that there is no greater honor than to educate our youth. Coupled with our role as our nation's representative in another country, we are in a unique position to leave a foot print behind. That is why I want you to know about a very special organization, dedicated to preserving the history of American education overseas.

The American Overseas Schools Historical Society (AOSHS) is an organization whose purpose is relevant to the needs of the community it serves - American overseas schools, students, parents, educators, those who preceded us, and those who will follow.  The mission of the society is to collect, record, and preserve the unique history of educating American children and youth abroad; and to enhance public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the contributions made by American educators and their students in the advancement of democracy around the world. The organization’s Corporate Headquarters and Historical Park are now located in Wichita , Kansas .

In accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 4160.1, issued in 1993, schools and individuals have always been able to send memorabilia to AOSHS. Recently though, Dr. Tafoya, DoDEA Director, and Dr. Ann Bamberger, AOSHS president, signed an agreement that will allow AOSHS to have a more distinct presence in our schools.

Although DoDDS has been in existence only since 1946, the historical significance of American education abroad is a remarkable human and educational success story that spans 150 years. This incredible story goes back to the mid-1850's and includes wonderful anecdotes of schools, students, parents, teachers, school administrators and support personnel worldwide, anecdotes that need to be recorded and preserved. 

The overseas education of more than four million American children and youth is an important, as yet unwritten, chapter in the history of American Education. These students, their parents, teachers, school administrators and support personnel have lived on the edge of history-in-the-making – in view of the Berlin Wall going up and coming down, Corregidor, Tiananmen Square, the DMZ in Korea, and the China Sea, and within earshot of the Six-day War, the Persian Gulf War and the invasion of Panama.  They have lived and played near international military and political headquarters, and been visited by presidents, prime ministers, royalty and ambassadors. They have studied and taught in a wide variety of physical facilities in the shadows of historic castles, and near battlegrounds and famous landmarks.

With the establishment now of the American Overseas Schools Historical Society, which owns, governs and operates The American Overseas Schools Archives, this important work will be guaranteed and carried on in perpetuity.  

We must fully recognize the importance of our work to educate thousands of students every day, preparing them to become better citizens of the world. Preserving this history is imperative. I encourage you to learn more about AOSHS and how you can participate in this exciting venture.  For more information please see their website at http://aoshs.wichita.edu/ or contact me or one of the Pacific Area representatives: Maria Rubio in Guam ; Peter Grenier in Japan ; Irene Lee in Korea ; and Mark Honnold in Okinawa .

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam