The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago carefully preserves the Hellenic legacy
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) was founded in 1983. Its mission is to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story.
In support of its mission, the National Hellenic Museum raised over $975,000 at its 2024 Gala, held on September 28, 2024 at the Hilton Chicago.
Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum is John P. Calamos, Sr.
Gala Co-Chairs were NHM Trustees Andrea Darlas and Hon. Anna H. Demacopoulos (Ret.).
More than 610 guests, including civic and cultural leaders and philhellenes from across the country, celebrated Greek culture at the NHM Gala.
Distinguished guests at the NHM Gala included Consul General of Greece in Chicago Emmanuel Koubarakis and Consul Georgia Tasiopoulou, former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy Ioannis Chryssoulakis, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos, and Fr. Elias Villis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures and NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr. gave remarks about the importance of the Museum’s educational efforts and sharing the Hellenic legacy to inspire future generations.
Over the past year, NHM significantly expanded its educational programs, providing hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds with an opportunity to learn about Greek history and the Greek American story, make meaningful connections to their own lives, and explore the enduring principles of the Hellenic legacy.
NHM preserves the Hellenic legacy and makes this rich heritage relevant today through its extensive collection of more than 10,000 physical artifacts, hundreds of oral histories, exhibitions, educational programs and special events. NHM provides lifelong learning for the community and sparks inquiry and discussion about the broader issues in the lives of its members and society.
NHM Gala attendees enjoyed a spectacular dinner and live auction led by auctioneer David A. Goodman.
It was followed by live music and Greek dancing with Mylos Entertainment late into the evening.
The 2024 NHM Gala was made possible by the generous support of donors at every level. Lead NHM Gala sponsors included: Diamond Sponsors Calamos Investments, John P. Calamos, Sr. and John S. Koudounis, and The Halikias Family and Republic Bank; Platinum Sponsor Grecian Delight and Peter and Ethel Parthenis; Gold Sponsors John and Mae Calamos via The John P. Calamos Foundation, and Metropoulos Family Foundation; and Silver Sponsors Gus Danos Family, Dyros Inc. and Kenneth and Angela Kondraros, The John S. Koudounis Family, Michael and Robin Psaros and Family, The James A. Regas Family, and Cathy and George Sakellaris.
Since 2011, the National Hellenic Museum is located in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood.
Regular museum hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
By Gilbert Castro | ENC News
