Remembering Louis Schneider

Lou Schneider addresses AFSC staff

Louis Schneider addresses AFSC staff at the Friends Center Meeting House.

Louis Schneider served as an AFSC staff member for more than four decades, including as its Executive Secretary from 1974-1980. He passed away on Sept. 20, 2012.

Louis guided AFSC programs of service and reconciliation both here and abroad, steadfast despite controversies. During the course of his service, he visited 38 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America – including Chile, Guatemala, Korea, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Collected here are a few items from the AFSC archives that record Louis’ impact and reflections.

Louis Schneider AFSC Oral History Interview

In 2002, AFSC sat down with former Executive Secretary Louis Schneider to discuss his invovlement with AFSC during his teens up to his work in Vietnam.

Lou Schneider AFSC Oral History Interview.pdf

Louis Schneider named Executive Secretary of AFSC

Lou Schneider press release

In 1974, after 14 years of serving as staff director for international programs, Louis was named the Executive Secretary of AFSC.

Louis_Schneider_named_Executive_Secretary.pdf

AFSC and the Vietnam War

Lou Schneider in Vietnam

Louis Schneider (front row, middle with dark suit) walking up the steps of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Hanoi to present a wreath on behalf of AFSC on Sunday morning, Aug. 31, 1975, as part of the Democratic Reupblic of Vietnams's 30th anniversary of independence celebration. 

In 2001, Louis Schneider's grandson Benjamin Temple recorded this interview about his grandfather's involvement in the Vietnam War for AFSC.

2001 The best Intentions.pdf

Looking Ahead - AFSC's Future

Looking ahead cover

On Nov. 10, 1979, Louis Schneider gave an address at the AFSC Annual Meeting regarding the organization's future.

1979 Looking Ahead- Lou Schneider -AFSC AnnMeeting.pdf