The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will mark the diplomatic career of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, on Thursday, May 24, 2012 – 11:00am, with a donation of objects, a naturalization ceremony and the introduction of a website that will help new immigrants prepare for the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test. A naturalized citizen, Albright will be the keynote speaker. Her donation includes the red dress and jacket she wore for the public announcement of her 1996 nomination to be the first woman and 64th Secretary of State and materials from her tenure as Secretary of State and as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
The naturalization ceremony is in partnership with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency. The Smithsonian and USCIS will also unveil “Preparing for the Oath,” a new website that helps immigrants prepare for the naturalization test by using museum objects as a learning tool. During the ceremony, 12 applicants representing 12 countries will receive Certificates of Naturalization after taking an Oath of Allegiance. “Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship” is an interactive website created in partnership with USCIS to provide an engaging way to prepare for the U.S. naturalization test. The site can be accessed at http://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship