Video: '3/1/61: JFK Establishes the Peace Corps'

(Wednesday, March 1, 1961, news conference held at 10:00-10:29 a.m. EST) — President John F. Kennedy Kennedy issued an executive order today creating a Peace Corps, an independent agency and volunteer program run by the United States Government providing international social and economic development assistance.

Announcing the move today at a news conference at the Department of State Auditorium, the President described the Peace Corps as a “pool of trained American men and women sent overseas by the United States government or through private organizations and institutions to help foreign governments meet their urgent needs for skilled manpower.”

Video: 'JFK'S 5th PRESS CONFERENCE (MARCH 1, 1961) (VIDEO VERSION)'

Kennedy appointed his brother-in-law, Sargent Shriver, to be the program’s first director.

Back at the White House, Kennedy sat down at 12:45 p.m. with with former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in the Broadcast Room to discuss the program.

Video: 'JFK AND ELEANOR ROOSEVELT DISCUSS THE PEACE CORPS (MARCH 1, 1961)'