Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2020-079
Robert Crisp served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic from August 1962 to July 1964 as a rural community development specialist. Prior to joining, he had served in the Army and completed a degree in international relations. Crisp trained both in the Outward Bound camp outside of Arecibo, Puerto Rico (for language and physical and emotional endurance) and at the University of Puerto Rico (for cultural and community development studies). He was assigned to Hato Mayor to work on youth clubs and chicken production but became disenchanted with the work ethic of the community. He asked for a transfer and moved to the town of Constanza, where he dug wells and built an oven and wash basin. During his service, the government of the Dominican Republic was overthrown in a military coup. In the interview, Crisp discusses both positive and strained relations with the Dominicans, but feels that his experience was extremely valuable. Interviewed and recorded by Randolph Adams, November 22, 2019. 1 digital audio file.