Meridian is currently hosting an exhibition showing more than 100 reproductions of photographs and documents culled from private and public archives around the United States and Afghanistan. Created for the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy of the United States in Kabul, the exhibition chronicles the relationship between the two countries, beginning with initial contacts in the early 20th century and continuing through the late 1970s. From the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi in August 1919 to the modern nation today, Afghanistan and the United States have shared a deep and long-standing relationship. Highlights include photographs of presidential visits, insights into early oil and hydroelectric plants, and the many people touched by these connections.
Governor Jim Blanchard, Meridian’s Board Chair, discusses the value of the exhibition and the importance of U.S.-Afghan relations.
Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Marc Grossman describes the long-standing connection between the United States and Afghanistan.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan Earl Anthony Wayne reflects on the past and present relationship between America and Afghanistan.
Abdul Hakim Atarud, Counselor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Washington, DC, speaks about the historical connection between the two countries.
Dr. Curtis Sandberg, Meridian’s Vice President for the Arts, discusses the creation of the exhibition.
