In 1926, Mrs. Hazel Buck Ewing, a trustee of The Principia, envisioned a school of international relations as part of Principia's educational program. She wanted Principians to: gain a deeper understanding of world cultures, to apply the Golden Rule in international affairs, and to help bring peace to our world. When Mrs. Ewing gave Lower School teachers a birch back canoe for their Native American unit, student interest increased greatly, causing teachers to request objects from other cultures, as well. Today, the museum has over 10,000 items in our collection, most of which have been donated by alumni and friends.