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Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge (MICR)

Opening hours.

Apr-Oct: 10-18 h, Nov-Tue: 10-17 h Special opening possible on request (T 41 22 748 95 95 or at [email protected])

Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge Avenue de la Paix 17 1202 Genève Phone  +41 (0)22 748 95 11 redcrossmuseum.ch

Emotion, discovery, reflection: the Museum offers you a unique opportunity to enter into the history of humanitarian action. An interactive chronology unfurls 150 years of humanitarian history, while current focus enables you to track Red Cross and Red Crescent operations right around the globe.

Three separate areas, each developed by a well-known exhibition architect, allow you to explore three major challenges in today’s world: Defending human dignity, Restoring family links, Reducing natural risks. In a break with traditional museography, the exhibition is an adventure, initiating visitors into contemporary humanitarian action. It is an experience to be lived through first of all, then described during a second phase, so that visitors become actors within each theme. Strong messages embed themselves in their emotions. The exhibition is organised around three independently themed spaces designed by internationally renowned architects: Defending human dignity, Reconstructing the family link and Refusing fatality, which deals with prevention. Within each zone, the visitor first of all enters a phase which aims at raising his awareness and during which he lives through an intense emotional experience. A second stage provides him with information and historical background, reminding him that the Red Cross is the oldest and largest humanitarian organisation in the world. In the «On the spot» area, a large interactive globe will show the latest news from the field.

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Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge Avenue de la Paix 17 1202  Genève Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)22 748 95 11 Fax +41 (0)22 748 95 28 [email protected] redcrossmuseum.ch Show Route

Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge Avenue de la Paix 17 1202 Genève Phone  +41 (0)22 748 95 11 redcrossmuseum.ch Show Route

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Visit the International Red Cross Museum in Geneva

The Museum of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent is one of the top museums to see in Genève, Switzerland. The Humanitarian Adventure is the exhibition theme.

The Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge is one of the best-known museums in Geneva, Switzerland. The museum’s permanent collection “The Humanitarian Adventure” is currently divided into three exhibitions: defending human dignity, restoring family links, and reducing natural risks. It is best to think of the museum in terms of these three very modern exhibitions rather than a traditional museum with clear information on the history and work of the International Red Cross.

International Red Cross Museum in Geneva

The Museum of the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent in Geneva reopened in mid-2013 after a two-year remake with a new exhibition entitled “The Humanitarian Adventure”. This permanent collection of the museum is divided into three sections: defending human dignity, restoring family links, and reducing natural risks. The exhibitions are very modern with several interactive displays but are a bit short on details and information on the Red Cross.

Admission includes the use of an audio guide that switches on automatically (but sometimes not) with further details on some exhibitions available by punching in the numbers. Written descriptions are very cryptic, when available at all.

The exhibition starts with a “Chamber of Witnesses” – twelve life-sized figures standing in a semi-circle in a darkish room. No explanation is given of its purpose, and although visitors see these figures again later in testimonies given at the end of exhibitions, it is simply confusing at the start of the exhibitions. Many visitors wander around enquiring from others if their audio guides are working before finding their way down the stairs to the main museum display floor with the three exhibitions.

Defending Human Dignity Exhibition in the Red Cross Museum

The Defending Human Dignity exhibition in the Red Cross Museum has a small display on Henry Dunant, who founded the Red Cross in 1863. Also on display are the original Geneva Convention, a few items used to identify the Red Cross, and listings of some major events in the protection of human dignity – the oldest goes back to 1750 BC (“The King of Babylon expresses his will that the strong should not oppress the weak” in the Code of Hammurabi ).

A number of artworks by prisoners made in various parts of the world is displayed but with limited information on the circumstances. The works do show the importance of mental stimulation and creativity to preserve dignity in difficult and unjust circumstances.

Restoring Family Links

The Restoring Family Links exhibition starts out much as can be expected of a museum: the archives of World War I prisoner records that the Red Cross used to provide information and reunite families. At four desks, visitors can go through the process of checking information and index cards and experience the process. However, on a busy day, it is probably not worth the wait.

A wall of small photos of children from Rwanda and a sheet used at Srebrenica to distribute information are very moving. However, the explanations and information on how the Red Cross unite families with modern technology are a bit lacking.

Reducing Natural Risks

The Reducing Natural Risk exhibition, even more than the other two, has a feeling of a temporary additional display rather than being part of a permanent collection of a museum. The displays here are hard to follow or to comprehend why they are on show in the first place.

The exhibition starts with a large round touch screen table with a video game of saving as many villagers as possible from a natural disaster. Teens and students enjoyed slapping the screen but most other visitors looked on a bit bewildered – a nice piece of technology but the educational value seems close to zero.

The rest of the exhibition is downright confusing. A couple of Red Cross posters without much explanation why these were selected and video displays without any explanation of when, where, or why – an odd way to celebrate “One Hundred Years of prevention”.

A large part of the space is taken up by behind-the-scenes of presumably making a disaster prevention warning video. However, no explanation is given of the purpose or reason. Maybe the audio guides were supposed to have worked automatically here but they did not and there was no text to explain any of it.

On the Spot

Back on the ground floor, the “On the Spot” exhibition has some information on the day-to-day Red Cross and Red Crescent operations around the globe. The main focus in this room is a large globe, which looks good, but otherwise information is simply given by touch screens – much like browsing the internet. A further set of touch screen highlight in chronological order major humanitarian events throughout history.

Style over Substance?

The exhibitions in the Red Cross Museums are very well done and look very good but that is part of the problem: it is easy to leave with a feeling of style over substance. The museum has remarkably little information on the International Committee of the Red Cross, its history, or its current activities. It uses quite a large space to tell disappointingly little about a very worthy organization that deserves much more attention.

The various testimonies by humanitarian workers and victims are interesting but take up a lot of physical space. Even on a quiet day, the lone seat or small spaces fill up fast and it is either a long wait or missing these all together.

The architects of the three exhibitions give interesting explanations of why they have selected specific materials in designing the exhibition spaces. Unfortunately, that is easily lost on visitors and the curators failed to fill the space with much content.

The Red Cross Museum is interesting to visit but many visitors expecting a traditional museum with information on the history and activities of the  International Committee of the Red Cross  may well leave rather disappointed –  Wikipedia  has more information than the museum.

Visitor Information for the Red Cross Museum in Geneva

The Museum of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closing at 6 pm from April to October). The museum is closed on Monday, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

Admission tickets are rather pricy at CHF15 for adults, and CHF7 for 12-22 and over 65-year olds, and free for children under 12. Temporary exhibitions may sometimes be seen separately for CHF5. The Swiss Museum Pass and Geneva Pass are valid. Railaway discount offers may be available for visitors arriving in Genève by train.

The  Red Cross Museum  is at Avenue de la Paix 17, 1202 Genève – across the road from the car entrance to the United Nations Offices. Free parking is available in the region but busy during the week.

The Red Cross Museum can easily be reached by bus 8 (direction Appia or OMS) from Geneva train station, or from Geneva Airport by bus 28 (direction Jardin Botanique). Bus stop Appia is directly at the museum. It is also a pleasant uphill stroll from Place de Nations with many further bus and tram connections.

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International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

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International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Top ways to experience International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Discover international Geneva's museums, tours & exhibitions

The humanitarian trail of the Red Cross:

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The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), housed at the Palais des Nations, is one of the most active centres for multilateral diplomacy in the world.

Walk in the chambers where many important historical negotiations took place, discover the incredible gifts presented by various countries to the UN at Geneva or learn about the Palais des Nation's history and the UN's current activities. Whether you are interested in politics and history, or simply want to enjoy a walk in one of Geneva's most beautiful parks, these various guided tours proposed by UNOG and available in different languages are a great way to explore all these aspects. 

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Built between 1923 and 1926, the Centre William Rappard was the first building in Geneva designed to house an international organization, the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO left the building in 1975 for its new headquarters. It then hosted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the library of the Graduate Institute of International Studies (IUHEI) and the Secretariat of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

In 1995, the Centre William Rappard became the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum's permanent exhibition "The Humanitarian Adventure" offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and current challenges of humanitarian action.

Located next to the ICRC headquarters in Geneva, the Museum reflects on the major challenges of today's world: Defending human dignity, Restoring family links, Reducing natural risks. These three separate areas were developed by renowned architects from different regions of the world.

An interactive chronology also presents 150 years of humanitarian history, and visitors can track Red Cross and Red Crescent operations around the globe. Visitors can also discover temporary exhibitions at the Museum.

Visit the Museum

About the museum

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum asks a central question:

How does humanitarian action affect us all, here and now?

In order to reflect on this question with our visitors, we invite artists and cultural partners to examine the issues, values and current situation of humanitarian action.

We thus assert ourselves, in an open, agile and warm manner, as a place of memory, creation and debate.

We help bring attention to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the city of Geneva by producing original artistic content and developing ambitious partnerships in Switzerland and throughout the world.

Further details are available in our annual reports:

• View the 2022 Annual Report (in French)
• View the 2021 Annual Report (in French)
• View the 2020 Annual Report (in French)
• View the 2019 Annual Report (in French)

Executive Management Pascal Hufschmid , Executive Director Jonas Chereau , Project Manager

Administration and Finance Myriam Doré , Director Tiffany-Jane Madden , Assistant Administration and Finance

Collections and Exhibitions Elisa Rusca , Director Marie-Laure Berthier , Production Manager Marco Domingues , Technician Audience Development Carolyn Polhill , Director Fabienne Mendoza , Manager, Visitor Experience Cecilia Suarez , Manager, Communication and Digital Content Annabel Bernardon , Manager, Cultural Engagement Peace Mury , Store Officer André Hamelin , Reception Manager Camille Bovet, Welcome Officer Marcela Cizmar, Welcome Officer Rama Dwiyana Putera, Welcome Officer Patrizia Hilbrown, Welcome Officer Peace Mury, Welcome Officer Susanne Staub, Welcome Officer Barbara Angelini, Volunteer Guide Patricia Bourceret, Volunteer Guide Emanuele Ceraso, Volunteer Guide Mariagrazia Gisella Cicciu, Volunteer Guide Maria Contreras Gutiérrez, Volunteer Guide Cécile Crassier-Mokdad, Volunteer Guide Danica Gautier, Volunteer Guide Nalini Gouri-Burci, Volunteer Guide Odile Guillaud, Volunteer Guide Oriana Mazzola, Volunteer Guide Gail Messenger, Volunteer Guide Doris Riva, Volunteer Guide Christine Ruchat, Volunteer Guide Luz Maria Serrano Estrada, Volunteer Guide Lisa Widmer, Volunteer Guide Anita Zwerner, Volunteer Guide

We're proud to have received the following labels in recognition of our commitment to including sexual and gender minorities and to promoting career and employment opportunities.

Foundation Board

Chair Isabel Rochat Representatives of the Swiss Confederation Ambassador Anna Ifkovits Horner Representatives of the Canton of Geneva Beatrice Ferrari Michaël Flaks

Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross Gilles Carbonnier Robert Mardini Representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Christopher Rassi  

Individual Members Sandrine Giroud Loa Haagen Pictet Catherine de Marignac Luzius Sprüngli Anne-Marie de Weck  

Honorary Chair Bernard Koechlin

Young Advisory Board

Description This is a unique opportunity to question today's museum and express your vision of tomorrow's museum. As a thinker, you'll be encouraged to reflect on the challenges facing the Museum, and to challenge those involved with your own critical eye. You'll be given a topic to think about; imagine and develop a project proposal to help the Museum achieve its objectives.

This program, which is open to all disciplines, is aimed at students enrolled in a Master's-level course of study for the entire duration of the program, i.e. for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.

Focus area 23-24: Diversity and inclusion The Museum invests time, resources and energy to be an inclusive company, both in its offer to the public and as an employer. Through the program, the Museum invites you to reflect and debate with it, to initiate a project proposal on the theme of diversity and inclusion. Young Advisory Board 2023-2024: Dzidedi AZUMAH Yasmine BAIROUK Alessandro BUSSETTI Wael CHARIF José RODRIGUEZ Sevinch RUSTAMOVA Period and duration November 2023 to May 2024

Our history

Our story began in 1963 – the 100th anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – when initial proposals were put forward to establish a Red Cross Museum in Geneva.

Twelve years later, in 1975, ICRC delegate Laurent Marti decided to act, inspired by his time in the field. He wrote to Jean Pictet, the ICRC’s Director-General, setting out his plans for a museum that would trace the major stages of humanitarian history before and after the creation of the Red Cross. His proposal was accepted.

In 1979, an architecture competition was launched to build the Museum close to the ICRC headquarters on the Colline de Pregny in Geneva. The winning design was submitted by Pierre Zoelly, Georges Haefeli and Michel Girardet. The Foundation for the International Red Cross Museum was established in 1981.

The Museum’s first stone was laid on 20 November 1985 at a special ceremony attended by Ursula Furgler, Raisa Gorbachev and Nancy Reagan.

The Museum opened its doors to the public on 29 October 1988. Its founder, Laurent Marti, served as its first director until 1994. He was succeeded by Didier Helg and Christine Müller.

Roger Mayou, appointed as director in 1998, went on to expand the Museum and oversaw a complete overhaul of the site, which reopened on 18 May 2013 after two years of work.

Pascal Hufschmid has served as director of the Museum since 2019.  

The Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian organization in the world. It is composed of three independent parts:

• The International Committee of the Red Cross  ICRC
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies IFRC
• 191 individual National Societies  

It is guided by the Fundamental Principles and united by a central purpose: to help without discrimination those who suffer and thus contribute to peace in the world.  

The seven Fundamental Principles are:

• Impartiality
• Independence
• Voluntary service
• Universality

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Top ways to experience International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and nearby attractions

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Geneva.info » Museums » Red Cross Museum

Genva Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum was lately completely renovated. "On the spot" tracks real time RC operations in a world.

Location Museum is located in the Geneva's International area, opposite to main entry to United Nations . Bus stop: Appia. Bus nr.8 goes to Appia from Gare Cornavin (direction OMS).

Exposition Museum consists of 3 separated parts: -defending human dignity -restoring family links -reducing natural risks

Audio Guide Free Audio Guide is available at the reception desk in these languages: en, fr, de, it, ru, cn, jp Audio guide works automatically, it recognizes where exactly You are and tells You respective information.

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International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Top ways to experience International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and nearby attractions

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Switzerland

ICRC headquarters in Geneva supports our delegations around the world. Geneva also manages the ICRC's role of advocate and defender of IHL, dealing with governments and with partners in the humanitarian community. Headquarters manages funding appeals, human resources and global communications.

Job opportunity

The ICRC is recruiting: Operations Director

• 17 .05.2024 / 24 .06.2024 Water and sanitation course – from emergency towards development 2024
• 25 .08.2025 / 29 .08.2025 Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers
• Law and policy platform
• Building respect for the law
• Office of the President
• Learning and teaching IHL
• The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Generating respect for the law
• Conduct of hostilities
• Use of weapons

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• Shop the Red Cross Store

Our History

Over 140 years of compassionate service.

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Since our founding by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need. We received our first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day we are tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world . In 2021, the Red Cross celebrated 140 years of compassionate service. Learn how we commemorated our anniversary . 

Even while the Red Cross adapts to meet the changing needs of the people we serve, we always stay true to those roots. Are you familiar with the classic images of Red Cross nurses helping American soldiers and civilian war victims during World War I? In fact, as you read this Red Cross staff and volunteers are still deploying alongside America’s military. Maybe you’ve taken a class through the Red Cross, such as first aid certification or how to swim. Did you know we’ve been offering similar training since the early 1900s ? Have you ever given blood or received donated blood? The Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program in the 1940s and we still provide more than 40% of the blood products in this country.

Today, as throughout our long history, the Red Cross depends on generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs. We invite you to learn about our history and hope you will feel inspired to become more involved with the Red Cross.

Read timely insights into Red Cross history and explore our archives through our blog: Visit Red Cross Chat

Experience Our History

Tour Red Cross Square

Visit us in Washington, DC.

Free, guided tours of our National Headquarters at 430 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC are offered Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. by reservation only. 

• Each tour is limited to 8 guests.
• Masks are not required on the tour, but they are encouraged.
• To request a tour, please submit your information .
• Tour requests are not guaranteed. Arrangements are only confirmed by reply from our tour team.
• We recommend you schedule 2-3 weeks in advance.
• If you cannot schedule in advance, please email us to learn if there are any last-minute opportunities.
• The tour takes approximately 1 hour where you will learn the history of the organization while exploring Red Cross Square.
• You will see artifacts, artwork and special exhibits located inside and outside.
• Wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour.
• All areas of the tour are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• No pets other than service dogs are allowed
• Red Cross Square is a working facility. Due to meetings, some tour stops may not be available for viewing. 
• For questions, call 202-303-4233. Reservations are not accepted over the phone.

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Take a Virtual Tour

You don’t have to travel to view highlights of our collection.

The American Red Cross National Headquarters Building

Completed in 1917 and still functioning today as an office for Red Cross staff, the “Beaux Arts” style building is dedicated to “The Heroic Women of the Civil War.”

Busts of Faith, Charity, and Hope by Hiram Powers

Representing the concept of mercy, these marble busts entitled Faith, Charity, and Hope are original to the building and have been in the windows since 1917.

Bust of Jean Henry Dunant by Ernst Durig

This marble bust features Jean Henry Dunant, the Swiss businessman who started the Red Cross movement in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Signing of the Treaty of Geneva by Charles Edouard Armand-Dumaresq

During this 1864 meeting, the Treaty of Geneva was signed and the Red Cross on a white background was chosen as the protective emblem. The Red Cross identified medical personnel and their facilities becoming the basis for the International Red Cross.

Portrait of Clara Barton by Mathilde M. Leisenring

Clarissa Harlowe Barton—teacher, government employee, and humanitarian—founded the American Red Cross in 1881. She led the organization for 23 years, retiring in 1904. Her legacy lives on reflected in the humanitarian sprit of Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Clara Barton’s Dress - Front and Back Views

This dress constructed of silk brocade was worn by Clara Barton throughout the 1860s. Clara would have used the dress for special occasions and speaking engagements. The dress was donated to the Red Cross by Ms. Susan H. Stafford, great, great, great niece of Clara Barton and funding for its conservation and exhibition was donated by Barbara Bovender.

The Clara Barton Display Case

Individual items belonging to Clara Barton over the years. Artifacts in the case include Barton’s field desk, diary from 1904, infant night shirt, and armband and medals from the Franco-Prussian war.

Clara Barton’s Sewing Kit

This sewing kit was used by Clara Barton in the aftermath of the Sea Islands’ Hurricane in 1893. Under Barton’s leadership the American Red Cross provided aid to 30,000 victims with donations of food, clothing, seeds, tools, and lumber to help rebuild homes.

Clinic for French Children by Cameron Burnside

This World War I era painting is set in France and depicts Red Cross doctors and nurses helping French mothers learn how to care for their babies many of whom were malnourished and suffering from disease after years of wartime deprivations.

Line of Communication Canteen by Cameron Burnside

This World War I era painting depicts Red Cross Canteen staff wearing their regulation chambray blue uniforms meeting a troop train and serving refreshments to the soldiers.

Tiffany Windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany

The stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios were a gift from the “women of the north” and the “women of the south” as a symbol of unity and healing after the American Civil War. The windows depict the themes of sacrifice and aid to the wounded. They are thought to be the largest set of Tiffany windows still in a secular setting.

Learn more about the Tiffany Windows .

Jane Delano Memorial by Robert Tait McKenzie 

Located in the memorial garden, the Jane Delano Memorial is dedicated to the founder of the Red Cross Nursing Service and all Red Cross nurses. The sculpture honors the 296 nurses, including Delano, who gave their lives as the result of World War I.

The Red Cross Spirit by Felix de Weldon

Located in the memorial garden, The Red Cross Spirit depicts Red Cross workers helping a fallen soldier. The sculpture was commissioned by The American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA) and honors all those that gave their lives in service to the Red Cross.

Motherland by Frederic Sogoyan

Located on the grounds of Red Cross Square (E Street/17 th Street NW), Motherland features a woman protectively embracing her child. It was gifted, by the Armenian people in 1991, to the American Red Cross to commemorate Red Cross relief after the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake.

Red Cross Emblem   by Larry Kirkland

Located on the grounds of Red Cross Square (E Street/18 th Street NW), Red Cross Emblem , created in 2003 is dedicated to volunteerism and the volunteer spirit of the Red Cross.

Embrace Your Creativity

Both children and adults can enjoy these coloring pages that highlight moments in our history.

Public Health Nursing

Established in 1912, public health nursing provided first aid education and nursing care to underserved communities. In some rural communities, nurses traveled by horseback to reach remote locations.

Red Cross Magazine Cover 1917

During World War I, the American Red Cross provided civilian relief to the impacted populations of Europe and supported the U.S. military at home and abroad.

Red Cross Poster 1918

This 1918 American Red Cross poster, by Harrison Fisher, with the slogan I Summon You to Comradeship in the Red Cross is an iconic example of World War I era poster art. 

You Can Help Poster WW1

When the United States entered World War I, the American Red Cross launched a massive campaign for the home front to knit wool clothing articles for the armed forces in Europe.

Volunteer Service 1936

Volunteer Services uniforms with the hoover apron or paneled skirt mirrored the fashions of the period. Each volunteer service was assigned a color which was reflected in the detachable collar and cuffs.

Motor Corps 1936

Red Cross uniforms followed the styles of the period with a military-inspired topcoat, gored or paneled skirt for the dress and a cape for the Red Cross motor corps uniform.

Military Suits 1948

The 1948 Military and Naval Welfare suits are similar in style, except for the collar insignia and the fabric weight.

Top Coat 1948

Stylish 1948 Military and Naval Welfare service coats came with hats and in both topcoats or raincoats with liners.

Celebrate Our Special Events

Learn about significant events for the Red Cross.

Every March, we honor people like you who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible — the individuals across the country who turn compassion into action, helping others in times of crisis.

In the 140 years since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, people have come together in innovative ways to serve and provide hope during emergencies. 

How We Grew

Adapting to Meet the Nation's Needs

Explore our timeline to learn how our 5 service areas developed over more than a century.

"The Red Cross…has often seemed to be the friendly hand of this nation, reaching across the sea to sustain its fighting men. "

- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Address to Congress, June 18, 1945

Partnership with America's Military Members

World War I

World War II

8 Million Volunteers at Home and Overseas

When the United States declared war on Germany, the American Red Cross was tasked with aiding American servicemen in Europe. In addition to mobilizing more than 20,000 nurses and building 54 hospitals overseas, the Red Cross provided a way for patriotic men, women and children back home to contribute to war relief. By the end of the war, nearly one-third of all Americans had donated in support of the Red Cross effort or were serving as volunteers.

A Red Cross nurse in a field hospital in France ensures her patient has clean bandages.

Supporting 16 Million Military Personnel

The Red Cross mobilized in support of the U.S. military, our Allies and civilian victims of World War II. We enrolled more than 104,000 nurses for military service, prepared 27 million packages for prisoners of war, shipped more than 300,000 tons of supplies, and collected 13.3 million pints of blood for the armed forces. In nearly every American family, someone was a Red Cross volunteer, donor or blood donor, or received Red Cross services.

The Red Cross collected millions of pints of blood for the armed forces.

126,000 Volunteers Every Month

During the Korean Conflict, Red Cross services grew. The blood program for the military was expanded. The emergency mobile recreation service served all United Nations forces. Red Cross provided emergency communications from family members and facilitated calls and letters home from wounded service members. Following the 1953 armistice, the American and Korean Red Cross societies ensured the transfer of nearly 90,000 prisoners of war.

Assistant Field Director “Pete” Murray carries comfort supplies in a hand grenade box.

Serving 280,000 Servicemen a Month

Between 1965 and 1972, American Red Cross field directors, hospital personnel and recreation workers (“Donut Dollies”) served on military bases and in military hospitals and hospital ships throughout Southeast Asia. The Red Cross provided recreation activities for service members while facilitating more than 2 million emergency communications between service members and their families.

A “Donut Dollie” offers coffee to soldiers taking a break from the fighting.

Request Information

For more information about our history, contact American Red Cross Historical Programs » 

Join Our Mission

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.

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Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.

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