While the School of Foreign Service was founded in 1919, the Mortara Center’s mission came to life during the turn of the millennium, a critical time in geopolitics. For over 20 years, the Mortara Center for International Studies has fostered research illuminating some of the world’s most pressing issues. This exhibition is a tribute to the rich history of international affairs research cultivated at Georgetown and highlights the Center's role as a hub for innovation and leadership in the field.
This exhibition includes material from the University Archives collection and the Mortara Center for International Studies. It explores: the life of the building at 36th and N St before and after it became home to the Mortara Center; key programs and events throughout the Center’s history; and the founders, leaders, students, and others who have built Mortara’s legacy.
This exhibition also asks viewers to consider the future of the Center: how can we continue to evolve, actualize our mission, and provide resources for the next generation of students, researchers, and international decision-makers? Whether you are a Georgetown student, faculty, former fellow of the MURF program, former Madeleine Albright teaching assistant, former student who took the Toolbox of Foreign Policy class, historic donor, or potential new supporter, we invite you to explore our history and mission.
People
Madeleine K. Albright at Mortara, 2001-2022: Photo Montage
Secretary Albright is pictured at book launches with Mortara directors Professors Kate McNamara and Carol Lancaster, the Mortara family at the building dedication and the 10th anniversary, and with her students. Every Monday in the conference room, Albright taught “America’s National Security Tool Box.” The semester would culminate with a diplomacy simulation.
(Mortara Center’s Archives)
America's National Security Tool Box Syllabus, 2022
Professor Albright spent a significant amount of time every weekend preparing for her classes and collaborated with her research and teaching assistants in preparing her course. On this draft syllabus for the Spring 2022 semester, she edited and annotated her sources and teaching plan.
(Courtesy of Darren Hall, MBA, MSFS ’22, former Teaching Assistant)
Pamphlet and Ticket from the Inauguration of Madeleine Albright as a Mortara Distinguished Professor, February 26, 2002
After the death of Michael Mortara in November 2000, Georgetown University inaugurated its first Michael and Virginia Mortara Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy in the School of Foreign Service. These two items were distributed before the ceremony during which Secretary Albright received this honor.
(Georgetown University Archives)
Liar’s Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street, 1989
Michael P. Mortara was a founding member of Salomon Brothers' mortgage bond trading group, which was immortalized in Michael Lewis' book.
(Mortara Center Archives)
Virginia and Michael Mortara (center) with SFS Dean Robert Gallucci (left) and Leo J. O’Donovan, SJ (right) at the Blue and Gray Society Weekend 1999
(Georgetown University Archives)
Virginia Mortara Pictured in "Forever Grateful: A Report on Leadership Gifts to Georgetown University's Third Century Campaign"
Selection of publications by faculty members affiliated with the Center, 2001-2025
Award-winning books by past directors Dr. Newman, McNamara, Saunders, Ikenberry, Voeten, quotation of Dr. Voeten’s research in 2025 best-seller Abundance, Dr. Busch’s column in The Hill, and Foreign Affairs magazine articles by Mortara-affiliated and supported researchers
Mortara faculty research shapes public conversations, influences the way people think about the world, and has effects on laws, communications, or concepts that translate beyond academia.
(Mortara Center Archives)
Headshots of recent student assistants with front desk responsibilities,2024-2025
The first contact people have with the Mortara Center is often with the student workers. They help make events happen, process room reservation requests, and direct guests, among other responsibilities. Many thanks to them! L to R: Suyay, Alex, Alexia, Sam, Arun, Zara, Zeynep, Ruby, Julia, Zach, Shelby, Ryan, Ama, Marta, Emily.
(Courtesy of the student assistants)
Programs
CRITICS And GUITARS Research Seminar Mugs, 2012
CRITICS was a seminar focused on international comparative politics, while GUITARS focused on topics of international relations. The series were consolidated into the Mortara Research Seminar Series, today one of the most vibrant seminars on campus.
(Mortara Center Archives)
First (2005-2006) and Latest (2024-2025) annual reports
Under the leadership of Director Carol Lancaster, the 2006 annual report highlights the Center’s first efforts to support research and initiatives related to international affairs. Currently, Director Erik Voeten and the Mortara team continue to serve this mission by sponsoring international affairs programming and research opportunities for students and faculty.
(Mortara Center Archives)
Lepgold Book Prize Medal, 2003
The Lepgold Book Prize is given annually to the best book in international relations published in the preceding calendar year. The award, named after Georgetown professor Joseph S. Lepgold, honors his memory and recognizes exceptional work. The honoree gives a presentation on their work at the Mortara Center’s annual Lepgold lecture.
(Mortara Center Archives)
Class of 2028 Mortara Undergraduate Research Fellows, Spring 2025
Since Spring 2012, the Mortara Center has provided undergraduate fellows with funding, community, and support to conduct top-quality research with a faculty mentor, followed by an independent project. Previous research topics have ranged from conflict memory and transnational feminism to the opioid industry.
(Photo: Olivia Zhang for the Mortara Center)
Timeline of Mortara Center Projects and Events, 2002-2025
(Mortara Center)
Building History
Rolodex, early 2000s
A rotary business card file (Rolodex) containing all the business contacts necessary for the center's initial activities. This is a typical office supply that shows the center’s life before full digitalization.
(Mortara Center Archives)
Timeline of Mortara-Related Events and World Events, 1962-2005
(Mortara Center)
Framed Ribbon and Scissors from the Mortara Center's Dedication
(Mortara Center Archives)
Photograph of the Mortara Center's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
(Mortara Center Archives)
Ye Domesday Booke, 1968
This 1967-1968 yearbook features life at Georgetown when Michael P. Mortara was a freshman. It includes Bill Clinton, a 1968 graduate. This page shows a map of campus with the current Mortara Center as a clothing store and dry cleaner. Wisemiller's Deli was already a neighborhood staple, and the Lauinger Library was under construction.
(Georgetown University Archives)
Advertisement for the Georgetown Store, 1950s
The structural records of the building now housing the Mortara Center date back to 1894. During the mid-1900s, it was home to Georgetown University Shop, a clothing store owned by Steve Barnabas that outfitted both Georgetown students and local elites.
(Georgetown University Archives)
Map showing the location of the Mortara Center relative to Lauinger Library
Mortara Center for International Studies: 20th Anniversary Exhibition as displayed in Lauinger Library
Curated by Pauline Courteille, Assistant Director of the Mortara Center for International Studies