Interview with James T. Chappell, January 27, 2022

Project: Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project

Interview Summary

James Chappell served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Iran, from 1966 through 1968, in the Rural Public Works Program. Jim’s interest in Peace Corps was sparked by JFK. He was encouraged to volunteer by Iran RPCV, Congresswoman Donna Shalala, who he met in while studying Architecture in college. Jim’s cohort was trained in rural Pennsylvania by Westinghouse. Training included Farsi language and culture. After a short time in Tehran, Jim was assigned to Khorramabad, in Lorestan province, working with a local organization to design and build public buildings in surrounding villages. Jim discusses his experiences in training, his work in Iran, interaction with local counterparts, and living situation. He also discusses challenges faced being a closeted gay man during his service. Peace Corps service was a major influence on Jim’s life. He went on to a career in urban design, and has been continuously involved with non-profit organizations.

Interview Accession

2022oh0096_pcrv0503

Interviewee Name

James T. Chappell

Interviewer Name

Julius "Jay" Sztuk

Interview Date

2022-01-27

Interview Rights

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Chappell, James T. Interview by Julius Sztuk. 27 Jan. 2022. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Chappell, J.T. (2022, January 27). Interview by J. Sztuk. Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Chappell, James T., interview by Julius Sztuk. January 27, 2022, Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.





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