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There is a spot inside Alton Baker Park that was created to celebrate the American winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. Its origins have a direct tie back to the family behind the annual award.
There is a winding row of plaques just inside the entrance to Alton Baker Park, the realization of John Attig’s dream of a place to celebrate American winners of the Nobel Peace Prize.
“The mission of the Nobel Peace Laureate Project is to honor those Americans who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and to inspire future peacemakers,” the nonprofit project’s website notes.
Creating the park
“When I heard the idea, I was very much in favor,” said Marcus Nobel, a descendant of Alfred Nobel, and honorary chairman of the Peace Park. “John Attig’s goal resonated, that we have to have the kind of peace that cannot be politicized, that starts with individuals and then goes out to the community.”
Even with the subsequent approval of the Nobel Foundation for use of the name, it took many years to raise funds and get space in Alton Baker Park.
And the process was not without controversy.
“It’s a challenge to start and manage a nonprofit,” Marcus Nobel said.
Following internal board disagreements, including two resignations, Roger Durant was brought on board. He led the effort to raise money and still serves as president. The park opened in April 2013.
What does peace look like for someone running an organization recognizing peace?
“Just being a friend to someone is a form of peace,” Durant said. “It’s also opening the door for someone, paying things forward.”
What is the Nobel Peace Prize?
The Nobel Prizes are funded by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who left most of his fortune to honor those who had “conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.”
The first prizes were awarded in 1901 on the anniversary of Nobel’s death and now, in addition to Peace, include Chemistry, Economics, Medicine, Literature and Physics. The cash prize for each recipient has grown to about $1 million.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to the individual or group who has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” There have been 111 individuals and 28 organizations that have won the Peace Prize, including 24 Americans.
Has anyone declined the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes.
Le Duc Tho from Vietnam said he couldn’t accept his 1973 award while his country was still at war.
Have any Oregonians won the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes.
Linus Paulding, from Portland and a graduate of the Oregon Agricultural College (predecessor to Oregon State), won Nobel Prizes in both Chemistry (1954) and Peace (1962). His Peace Prize was for his activism against nuclear weapons.
Pauling is the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes. His stand against nuclear weapons was not without controversy, as is noted on the lower part of his plaque at the Park: “Pauling had his U.S. passport confiscated because of his work. It was restored after he won the Peace Prize.”
Celebrate International Day of Peace at Nobel Peace Park
What: The Nobel Peace Laureate Project is hosting the 2025 Nobel Peace Park Community Festival to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
“It will be light on speeches, heavy on fun and peace,” Durant said.
When: Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21.
Where: Alton Baker Park, 100 Day Island Road, Eugene
