International Rescue Committee, Central America Records

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 as a responce to Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany. Responding to a plea by Albert Einstein, a group of 51 Americans organized themselves as the International Relief Association in order to help protect anti-Nazi leaders from Hitler's Gestapo. In 1940 the group expanded as refugees from across Europe fled Nazi occupied areas, and following World War II the International Rescue Committee was officially formed, expanding the organization's reach across the world.

The IRC continued to assist refugees and emigrants following the war, as turbulent events across Europe forced thousands to flee. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 the IRC was active in assisting the thousands of refugees that fled the country, providing money, housing, medical care, and other forms of relief. During the cold war the IRC was committed to the resettlement of refugees in the United States, and helped settle refugees from across the world. During the Vietnam War the IRC helped many of the Vietnamese people displaced by the war, establishing orphanages, medical clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The IRC also assisted refugees of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

In addition to helping refugees from Europe, Asia, and Africa, the IRC has also played an important role in assiting refugees from Latin America. Beginning with Fidel Castro's rise to power in 1959 and continuing throughout the 20th century, the IRC has assisted in the resettlement of numerous exiles from Central and South America.

The achievements of IRC, carried out primarily by its volunteers, have led the nation's leading business publications to cite it as one of America's best managed and effective voluntary agencies. Its members have received numerous awards for their work with the agency, as the organization has helped millions of people escape war, poverty, and the tumult of changing governments. The IRC continues to operate today by responding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and providing an environment for people to survive and rebuild their lives.