Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 11, 1976):
This was the home of the distinguished Afro-American diplomat and scholar who served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. He negotiated the Israeli-Arab Truce of 1949 and was consequently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the first Aftican American to receive that honor. Bunche was also instrumental in settling the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. Later, President Kennedy bestowed the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, on this dedicated public servant.