The National Museum and Center for Service began as a vision of Congressman Brian Baird. Everywhere he went, in local communities and around the world, Brian met people giving of themselves to help others — rescuing people from floods, treating diseases, feeding the hungry, teaching children, evacuating refugees or in countless other ways. No matter how hard the conditions, no matter the challenge or risk — as volunteers, in their work, or through charitable giving, Americans are at their very best when they engage in service. We have all benefited from service in our own lives and know of people from all walks of life who deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the community.
Having seen so many powerful and moving examples, Brian realized that there is no place in our nation’s capital or any other community in the nation where we honor service in ALL its many forms. To fill that void, and to help inspire and unify our nation around our shared value of service, the National Museum and Center for Service was conceived — dedicated to creating a nationwide network of local service exhibitions and a signature national institution in a place of prominence near the National Mall in Washington DC.
