NHS, National Hellenic Museum to Collaborate on Oral History Project

WASHINGTON (April 25, 2012) — National Hellenic Society (NHS) and National Hellenic Museum (NHM) officials are pleased to announce their continued collaboration on the Homer Oral History Project.  The collaboration is aimed to build upon the NHM’s existing oral history collection while making it more accessible to museum visitors and researchers.  NHS has been a supporter of the Homer Project for the past two years and is providing a $6,000 grant to assist funding its next phase.

“We are excited to continue our work in collaboration with the National Hellenic Museum,” said NHS Chairman George Marcus. “The NHS’s support of the Marathon Project and the Homer Oral History Project demonstrate the NHS’ support of programs that preserve and pass on our heritage and legacy.  The Greek American story warrants a permanent archive preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate.  Our forbearers overcame substantial challenges and laid the groundwork for Greek Americans to become an integral part of the American success story.”

Future interviews of Greek Americans would focus on such categories as: “Storytellers,” showcasing authors, fiction writers or journalists; “Matriarchs,” identifying the tremendous role of Greek American women and sharing their experiences; “Greek Diners,” demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that came from Greek-owned diners; and “The Sporting World,” covering Greek American athletes as well as team owners, managers, and sports commentators.  After two years, NHM and NHS will identify additional segments.  NHS will also assist NHM identify and coordinate interviews with people in each category.

“We look forward to collaborating with the National Hellenic Society to implement new NHS initiatives,” said NHM President Stephanie Vlahakis.  “NHS’ support and assistance is greatly appreciated. Our past interview-gathering trips to Washington, DC and Tarpon Springs provided the framework for the initiative’s focus.”

The Homer Project’s next phase was inspired by a previous collaborative effort to produce a Greek American Congressional delegation series which was well-received by the Greek American community.  The community segment focus will mirror this effort within the context of the larger effort to compile a national archive and will be accessible for scholarly research and made available online for public access.

“These initiatives create content that complements the permanent archive and facilitates showcasing the collection with traveling exhibits,” said Vlahakis.  “The Project will become accessible online and will help bring visitors to the museum and our website.  We’re excited with the next phase and grateful to the NHS.”

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