SP Native Lee Schatz To Speak at Key School

Severna Park native Lee Schatz, whose role in the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis was depicted in the film Argo, will speak at The Key School in Annapolis on April 18.

During the crisis, Schatz, who served as an agricultural attaché, was one of six American diplomats hiding in the homes of Canadian diplomats in Tehran after the U.S. embassy was overrun by anti-American protestors.

According to an announcement from the Key School, during his visit Schatz will spend the afternoon speaking with an 11th grade American Civilization class. The class is an interdisciplinary course that integrates the study of American literature, history and philosophy.

The class will watch Argo as part of their curriculum on diplomatic relations and Jimmy Carter’s presidency. They will then participate in a conversation with Schatz about his experiences during the hostage crisis.

In October 2012, Schatz spoke with Patch about his role.

“People who choose to serve overseas know there are contentions there and risks for that work,” Schatz said. “It was a very interesting time in Iran’s history and for those of us who volunteered to serve there. There had been a taking of the embassy in the spring and when that occurred again in November no one thought it would last anything but hours or days—let alone over a year.”

See Also:

• Severna Park Man Lived ‘Argo’