Symbols and Diplomacy

National History Day
2022 Guides - Theme: Debate & Diplomacy in History
Civil War envelope showing Columbia with sword and American flag

Getting Started

Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.

Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings

Signs and Symbols Diplomacy
Signs and symbols -- United States -- Exhibitions
Diplomacy
Ambassadors -- United States -- Biography.

Books/Print Resources at DPL

Read my pins : stories from a diplomat's jewel box / Madeleine Albright ; with …
American treasures : the secret efforts to save the Declaration of Independence…
Officially Indian : symbols that define the United States / Cécile R. Ganteaum…
The secret life of Lady Liberty : goddess in the New World / Robert R. Hieronim…
Wonder Woman : ambassador of truth / Signe Bergstrom ; foreword by Lynda Carter…
American symbols : a pictorial history / Introd. by Roger Butterfield.
Malinche, Pocahontas, and Sacagawea : Indian women as cultural intermediaries a…
Forging a nation : the American history collection at Gilcrease Museum / forewo…

Database/Online Resources

Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources. The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.

Academic OneFile (Gale)

Articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources—including thousands of podcasts and transcripts from NPR and CNN as well as videos from BBC Worldwide Learning. Covers subject areas such as, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, economics, environmental science, history, marketing, political science, and psychology.

Available with library card

Visit Academic OneFile (Gale)
Sample Articles
Symbolism in the Diplomacy of Czech President Vaclav Havel
Fundamentals of Diplomatic Protocol
Sample Articles
The 1927 Exchange of Friendship Dolls: U.S.-Japan Cultural Diplomacy in the Inter-War Years
TYPOLOGY EMBASSY: Redolent of the Geopolitical Climate, Embassy Design Has Shifted to Create Symbols of Protection as Well as Power

Explora High School (Ebsco)

Look up topic overviews, magazine and academic journal articles, facts and primary sources for research papers, class projects or homework. Get information from trustworthy sources that you can cite in your papers. Designed with students and educators in mind.

Available with library card

Visit Explora High School (Ebsco)
Sample Articles
The ritual creation of political symbols: International exchanges in public diplomacy
Using Animals As Gifts Has a Long History In Diplomacy

Prospector: Materials from Other Colorado and Wyoming Libraries

​​As a Denver Public Library customer, you can also borrow materials from other libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Use Prospector to request materials that DPL does not own.

Engaging adversaries : peacemaking and diplomacy in the human interest / Mel Gu…
Landmark negotiations from around the world : lessons for modern diplomacy / ed…
Diplomacy and global governance : the diplomatic service in an age of worldwide…
Essence of diplomacy / Christer Jönsson and Martin Hall

Internet Sources

Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.

National Museum of American Diplomacy
The National Museum of American Diplomacy tells the story of the history, practice, and challenges of American diplomacy. Through exhibitions and programs, we inspire the American public to discover diplomacy and how it impacts their lives every day.
Diplomatic Dictionary
Dictionary of words and definitions related to international relations and diplomacy, from the United States Department of State.
The Great Seal and It's Meaning
The Great Seal of the United States is a unique symbol of our country and national identity. Only one authorized Great Seal is in official use and is operated by the U.S. Department of State. The Great Seal is impressed upon official documents such as treaties and commissions. The Department of State affixes about 3,000 seals to official documents yearly.
Smithsonian Video of Madeline Albright's Pins (Primary Source)
Madeline Albright discusses her pin collection and the meaning behind the pins.
US State Department Website for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs leads Department efforts to expand and strengthen the relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other countries. The bureaus and offices reporting to the Under Secretary advance national interests by seeking to engage, inform, and understand the perspectives of foreign audiences.

Contact the Reference Services department for help with your research project