THE NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF
NEW EXHIBITION “AMERICAN MOMENTS: THE LEGACY OF GREEK IMMIGRATION”
Museum to Host an Exhibition Opening and One Year Anniversary Event
CHICAGO, IL — The National Hellenic Museum will celebrate the one year anniversary of its 40,000 sq. ft. t state-of-the-art eco-friendly building with the opening of two new exhibitions: American Moments: The Legacy of Greek Immigration and The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today. The opening and one year celebration will take place on November 15, 2012 (6 to 9 pm) at the National Hellenic Museum (333 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL). Admission is free. Guests are requested to RSVP by November 12, 2012 at [email protected] or at 312.655.1234 x40.
American Moments: The Legacy of Greek Immigration – traces the Greek journey across the Atlantic and the Greek immigrant path towards becoming American. While fiercely cultivating and preserving their rich heritage, Americans of Greek origin have enriched the American landscape and significantly contributed to the American society. This exhibition showcases these contributions, shedding new light on various chapters of American history, dating as far back as the American Civil War. The exhibition is generously supported by: The Halikias Family Foundation and The Karabots Foundation, Paula & Peter Fasseas, Dr. & Mrs. George Korkos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Parthenis (Grecian Delight), Mr. & Mrs. John Payiavlas, Mr. Frank S. Kamberos, Mr. John Rangos, Mr. & Mrs. John T. Mathews, A. Thomas & Christy Skallas, and The Father George Scoulas Memorial Fund. The exhibition opens on November 15, 2012.
According to National Hellenic Museum President Connie Mourtoupalas, “The history of mankind has always been marked by migration. The story of immigration is universal, yet, each immigrant brought along a unique culture and a history, which is entwined into what Walt Whitman called the “composite American identity of the future.” Mourtoupalas continues, “The exhibit traces the Greek journey across the Atlantic, the Greek immigrant path towards becoming American and the contributions of Americans of Greek origin to the American society. We showcase these contributions and shed new light on various chapters of American history, dating as far back as the American Civil War, and include stories like that of the American Civil War Captain and Chios Massacre survivor, George Colvocoresses, the Director of the Perkins School for the Blind, Michael Anagnos and Helen A. Keller, Archbishop Iakovos who marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and scientific pioneer and the inventor of the Pap Smear test Doctor George Papanikolaou.”
The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today – explores the history, culture and impact of the Marathon. Pheidippides’ heroic run is mostly legend. Yet, it has inspired a race run by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Introduced in Athens in 1896 as a final event of the first modern Olympics, the Marathon race is now a global fixture: the embodiment of inspiration, determination, and accomplishment. The Marathon race has served to inspire its participants and their followers to reach new heights, to support fellow runners, to bring attention to important issues, and aspire to a better world for humankind. Like the Olympic Games, which gave the race its start, the Marathon has become a unifying force. The Spirit of the Marathon celebrates globalization at its very best: galvanizing national pride through inspirational stories of determination, while providing a global venue for all nations and all people to share their stories. The exhibition is sponsored by the National Hellenic Society and opened on October 4, 2012.
National Hellenic Museum hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Thursday (10 am to 8 pm), Saturday and Sunday (11 am to 5 pm) and Tuesday (Closed). Museum admission is adults (id=”mce_marker”0), students and seniors ($8), children aged 3 to 12 ($7) and members and children (Free). For more information about the exhibitions and one year anniversary event, please visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.
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The National Hellenic Museum, which opened December 2011, is located in a brand new 40,000-square-foot space. The three-story eco-friendly building is home to interactive exhibits, children’s education center, research library, oral history center, museum store, special events hall, and rooftop terrace. For more information, visit https://www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.
