In 1931, Alice Sickels became the institute's first executive director and a year later the IIMN hosted its first Festival of Nations. In 1938, the institute became an independent agency. Between that year and 1979, it resettled more than 24,000 refugees from around the world.
Alice Sickels was appointed as the institute's first executive director in 1931, and a year later, the IIMN organized its inaugural Festival of Nations. In 1938, the institute became an independent entity. Over that period from 1938 to 1979, it resettled more than 24,000 refugees worldwide.