Help Us Keep History Alive!
Your support helps to inspire more young minds by enabling the National Hellenic Museum to expand its field trips program.
Museum Newsletter
Summer 2024
Exploring the Enduring Relevance of an Ancient Controversy: The Trial of Pericles
Connecting Generations to the Hellenic Legacy: Making History Come Alive for Students of All Ages
National Hellenic Museum
A Letter from the
Museum Chairman
Dear National Hellenic Museum Family,
There are many exciting things to share with you, as the Museum is filled with life and more vibrant than ever.
Through our expanding field trip program, the Museum galleries and classrooms have been filled with hundreds of students from Pre-K through college engaged in hands-on learning that makes history come alive. And NHM Discussions, our online weekly lecture series, generously sponsored by the Hellenic Foundation, has provided thousands with the opportunity to learn, think, and connect through Greek history and culture.
In April, we hosted The Trial of Pericles at Harris Theater, where an audience of more than 600 witnessed talented judges and lawyers debate the fate of one of Athens’ greatest statesmen—once again demonstrating how the ancient past is relevant to our current time.
In this newsletter, you will also see we were honored to host visiting members of the Greek Cabinet to explore opportunities for collaboration, in addition to welcoming other stakeholders to the Museum as we find our shared purpose.
Seeing how people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences connect with the National Hellenic Museum is a poignant and touching reminder of the importance of its work. Our mission is to share Greek history, art and culture, and preserve the Greek American story in relevant and meaningful ways.
This mission is more than mere words. Ensuring everyone has access to the rich treasure of Greek culture and history is our sole purpose. It is also at the heart of my personal commitment to this important institution. The power of the National Hellenic Museum to create profound encounters for those we serve is why I know the future is bright and the Hellenic legacy will continue to inspire.
As you look through this newsletter, I trust you will share my optimism for the Museum we have created together. Thank you for your continued support. Let us honor our past and plant the seeds of what is to come.
Sincerely,
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman
Aristotle Halikias
Vice-Chairman
Peter Parthenis
Vice-Chairman
Konstantinos Armiros
Vice-Chairman and Secretary
Bill J. Vranas
Treasurer
John S. Koudounis
Demetrios Logothetis
Yanni H. Sianis
Trustees
Paul Athens
Dr. George Bovis
Bill Conopeotis
Andrea Darlas
Hon. Anna H. Demacopoulos (Ret.)
Alex Gianaras
Kenneth Kondraros
C. Dean Metropoulos
George Tsetsekos
Distinguished Advisors
Hon. Louis Apostol
Martha Cannis
Dr. Michael Galaty
Maria Lampros
Georgia Mitchell
Elaine Paterakis
Pauline Sleder
Marilyn Tzakis
Paul G. Vallas
Nick Vern
Life Trustees
Andrew A. Athens +
Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos +
Frank Kamberos +
Dr. George Korkos +
James M. Mezilson +
Angela Paterakis +
Themi Vasils
Museum Staff
Marianne Kountoures
Executive Director
Chris Panagopoulos
Director of Finance and Operations
Katherine Kelaidis, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Content
Janet Kashuba
Chief Developement Officer
Jeremy Bucher, M.A.
Collections & Archives Manager
Perla Sánchez Aparicio
Office Manager
Christopher Norton, M.M.
Events Manager
Elena Kountoures Nowak
Education Manager
John McIntyre
Guest Relations & Retail Coordinator
Morgan Witek
Tour & Guest Services Coordinator
Enduring Relevance of an Ancient Controversy
The Trial of Pericles
Enduring Relevance of an Ancient Controversy
The Trial of Pericles
An audience of over 600 jurors found Athenian statesman Pericles “guilty” of subverting the rule of law in Athens at the National Hellenic Museum’s The Trial of Pericles on April 17, 2024. Nearly 2,500 years after Pericles changed the Athenian Constitution in 451 BCE to restrict citizenship to those born to two Athenian parents, he was tried on stage at Harris Theater at the Museum’s dynamic event. Pericles and his defense team faced prosecutors before a panel of esteemed judges and jurors, who reached an almost unanimous guilty verdict along with the audience. (Historically, Pericles died in the Great Plague of Athens and never faced trial for his actions).
The NHM Trial Series highlights the enduring relevance and value of ancient Greek thought and history and supports the mission of the National Hellenic Museum. It has grown both in reputation and following since its inception in 2013. This year’s mock trial featured a successful prosecution team led by Katerina Alexopoulos (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), Patrick M. Collins (King & Spalding LLP), and Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP).
Presenting the defense of Pericles were Sarah F. King (Clifford Law Offices PC), James C. Pullos (Clifford Law Offices PC), and Patrick A. Salvi II (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard PC). The defense argued that Pericles was protecting Athens’ democracy from foreign influence when he changed the constitution, revoking citizenship and voting rights for a quarter of Athenian citizens overnight. However, the prosecution convinced the jurors that Pericles had undermined the rule of law, as he could not prove that the controversial citizenship law had been formally approved by the Athenian assembly. All three judges presiding over the trial found Pericles guilty: Hon. Anna H. Demacopoulos (Ret. Circuit Court Judge, State of Illinois), Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos (Circuit Court Judge, State of Illinois), and Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins (U.S. District Court Judge, Northern District of Illinois).
The members of the esteemed on-stage jury, composed of civic leaders, academics and media personalities, were Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke (Ret.), Democratic Nominee for Cook County State’s Attorney; Steve Cochran, Host of the Steve Cochran Show on WLS AM 890;
Thank You To Our Generous Trial of Pericles Sponsors
Diamond
- Calamos Investments
- Clifford Law Offices
- The Jaharis Family Foundation
- The James A. Regas Family
- Salvi, Schostok, & Pritchard
Silver
- King & Spalding
- The John S. Koudounis Family
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
- Saul Ewing
- Dan K. Webb, Co-Executive Chairman, Winston & Strawn
Bronze
- John and Martha Cannis
- Dyros, Inc.
- Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois
- The National Hellenic Society
- Panton Eye Center
- Vranas Family Foundation In Memory of Paul and Lola Vranas
Friend
- Albank®
- The Alexopoulos Family
- Hon. Louis G. Apostal, Public Administrator of Cook County, & Mrs. Alexandra P. Apostol
34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway; Professor Nicholas Doumanis, Professor and Illinois Chair in Hellenic Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago; Themistocles P. Frangos, Officer of the Hellenic Bar Association; Professor Zoi Gavriilidou, Visiting Professor at the University of Chicago; Shia Kapos, Reporter for POLITICO; Cannon Lambert of Karchmar & Lambert, P.C. and Past President of the Cook County Bar Association; Commander Melinda Linas, 14th District Commander of the Chicago Police Department; John C. Sciaccotta of Aronberg Goldgehn, President Elect of the Chicago Bar Association; Kristofer Swanson, Vice President and Practice Leader of Forensic Services at Charles River Associates; and Consul Georgia Tasiopoulou of the Greek Consulate General in Chicago.
The event was emceed by award-winning Chicago media personality and NHM Trustee Andrea Darlas, and included compelling testimony from Pericles himself, played by Judge Paul Lillios (Ret.), and prosecution witness Olympia, a non-Athenian wife and mother in Athens, played by Judge Megan Goldish.
- Arthur and Nancy Balourdos, JB Realty, Inc.
- Buhler Kapsalis Family Foundation
- The Gianaras Family
- Kozonis Law, Ltd.
- Loukas Development
- Nick and Joanna (Vern) Verveniotis
- Bill J. and Peggy Vranas
The Trial of Socrates
Makes PBS Debut
The National Hellenic Museum’s 2023 mock trial event The Trial of Socrates, starring Hollywood actor and Second City alum John Kapelos as ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, made its broadcast debut on Lakeshore PBS. Viewers tuned in to watch nationally renowned attorneys take on ancient Greece’s most famous court case bringing NHM’s event to a wide audience and qualifying the production for Chicago/ Midwest Emmy Awards consideration later this year. The Trial of Socrates was directed by Brian Kallies. NHM recognizes and appreciates the support of its Lead Sponsors for The Trial of Socrates, as well as the generosity of all the sponsors who helped make this event and broadcast possible. Lead Sponsors were The Jaharis Family Foundation, Calamos Investments, and Clifford Law Offices.
Connecting Generations to the Hellenic Legacy
Over the past year, the National Hellenic Museum expanded its educational programming, offering on-site and off-site field trips that provide students of all ages and backgrounds with an exciting opportunity to appreciate Greek heritage, make connections between the past and present, and consider the lasting impact of the Hellenic legacy. We have hosted hundreds of students and teachers, from kindergarten through college, and from public, private, and parochial schools.
Through our field trips, students learn about Greek history, art, and culture through a variety of engaging activities, including our Hands-on History program, the Museum’s immigration exhibition, Reaching for the American Dream, and Reader’s Theater. In all these activities students engage with replicas of fascinating artifacts, act out mythological stories, craft “ancient” shields,
design vases with Greek motifs, and create passports reminiscent of those used by Greek immigrants in the early 1900s.
The Museum’s dedication to education extends beyond its walls through NHM Discussions, a weekly online lecture series generously sponsored by the Hellenic Foundation. Led by a historian, this program provides lively conversation around a vast array of intriguing topics, from ancient Greek philosophy, art, and democracy to the remarkable contributions made by Greek American immigrants.
The National Hellenic Museum’s educational commitment fosters a deep and lasting appreciation for Greek heritage among the public, visitors, and the next generation. This interactive and dynamic approach to history ensures that the legacy of our ancestors will never be forgotten.
Bus Transportation Reimbursement for Greek Orthodox Parishes
The Hellenic Foundation is generously sponsoring bus reimbursements to Greek Orthodox churches in Chicagoland interested in booking group visits to the Museum through September 30, 2024.
For more information, please contact us at 312.544.1221 or Education@HellenicMuseum.org.
Leave Your Legacy While Supporting the Hellenic Legacy
Our ancestors worked hard to create a better life for us, and their legacy endures. Similarly, you can make a lasting impact by supporting the National Hellenic Museum, preserving the Greek American story and the Hellenic legacy for future generations.
One significant way to contribute is through a planned gift from your estate. By designating a percentage or specific amount to the Museum, you ensure it has the necessary funds to sustain its mission—sharing Greek history, art, and culture.
You can also direct your gift to support specific projects, such as exhibitions, lecture series, or educational field trips. Additionally, an estate gift can reduce estate taxes and ease financial burdens on your heirs. For more details, consult your financial advisor.
To learn more about making an estate gift, or supporting the National Hellenic Museum in other ways, contact Janet Kashuba at JKashuba@hellenicmuseum.org, (312) 448-2850.
Ways to Give
There are many ways to participate in the National Hellenic Museum to help further its mission.
However you choose to show your support, we appreciate your generosity and the impact it has on our
ability to share Greek history, art, and culture and preserve the Greek American story
Become a Member
Members join a dedicated group who actively participate in the Museum’s exhibitions, programs, and events, advocating for its mission. Enjoy free admission, museum store discounts, priority access to events, and much more.
Sponsor Us
Support us as a sponsor, personally or through your company, to help present engaging exhibitions and programs. Sponsorships enable us to connect the past and present, Greece and America, and the rich Hellenic legacy with today.
Participate in Planned Giving
Sustain the Museum through planned giving by naming the National Hellenic Museum in your will, making it a retirement plan beneficiary, or contributing securities. Ensure the Hellenic legacy endures for generations.
Build Your Legacy
Honor loved ones or commemorate special occasions by adding your or your loved one’s name to the NHM Legacy Brick Wall at the Museum entrance. Enjoy visible recognition as a testament to your legacy.
Direct Questions to Development@HellenicMuseum.org
Guests Across the Globe Connect at The Dr. Arthur G. Nikelly Lecture
The National Hellenic Museum’s annual Dr. Arthur G. Nikelly Lecture for the Preservation of Hellenic Heritage and Culture was held online on Saturday, May 18, featuring the esteemed Rev. Dr. John Behr, a British Eastern Orthodox priest and theologian, who presented his new translation of St. Gregory of Nyssa’s important work, “On the Human Image of God.” Father Behr explored the contrasting and complementary definitions from both early Greek philosophers and Christian theologians of what it means for humans to be made in God’s image. The Museum was honored to welcome guests from across the U.S. and Europe as well as India, Australia, and Brazil, who joined together online for this very special presentation.
The Dr. Arthur G. Nikelly Lecture series was generously established by Arthur’s sister, Ms. Eva Nikelly, as an endowed fund in Dr. Nikelly’s memory. She created the endowment to provide perpetual support for an annual lecture that illuminates Hellenic values and ideals and nurtures appreciation for Greek culture. Dr. Nikelly, a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences at the University of Illinois
at Urbana Champaign, was a lifelong advocate for human rights, social justice, educational achievement, and freedom of expression—values which he and his family upheld through their philanthropy. Dr. Nikelly also had a fascination with the Greek language and a strong connection to his ancestral homeland, creating an outpatient clinic to help the community in his family’s town of Vrisa on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Ms. Nikelly established this fund from a portion of her brother’s estate, with the knowledge that his legacy would live on through this annual lecture
Establish A Fund Through An Estate Gift
The National Hellenic Museum is grateful to Ms. Nikelly for creating an opportunity for the public to participate in powerful and enlightening discussions on topics that are timeless and relevant. Her gift provides the means to help further the Museum’s mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story in ways that resonate broadly with our local and global communities.
For information on how you can establish a fund for the National Hellenic Museum through an estate gift, please contact Janet Kashuba at JKashuba@HellenicMuseum.org or 312-448-2850.
NHM Discussions Uniting Scholars and Enthusiasts
NHM Discussions are free online classes that bring together scholars and enthusiasts of all ages for engaging conversations on Greek history, art, culture, and more.
Recent conversations have spanned topics such as the origin of Homer’s poems, Greek folk magic, ancient philosophy, and the role of Vikings in the Byzantine Empire. Our discussions draw more than 1,000 participants annually from Chicagoland, across the nation, and internationally, with a quarter residing in countries outside the United States—including the United Kingdom, Greece, Australia, and Norway. Join us for our upcoming conversations to learn about Greek history and culture.
NHM Discussions are generously sponsored by the Hellenic Foundation. We gratefully acknowledge their longstanding support.
Upcoming Events
Greek Mythology and the American Novel
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | 7:00 PM, CDT
Explore the profound influence of ancient Greek myths on
American literature, including how timeless mythological
themes such as heroism, fate, and the divine are woven into
the fabric of American novels. Through analysis of classic and
contemporary works, we will study how authors reinterpret
mythological motifs to address American cultural, social, and
political contexts.
Greece and Olive Oil: A Love Story
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM, CDT
Discover the deep-rooted connection between Greece and olive oil in this captivating discussion. We will delve into the historical, cultural, and culinary significance of olive oil in Greek society and learn about its production, symbolism, and uses from ancient times to the present.
What is a Diaspora and Why it Matters
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 7:00 PM CDT
Discover the deep-rooted connection between Greece and olive oil in this captivating discussion. We will delve into the historical, cultural, and culinary significance of olive oil in Greek society and learn about its production, symbolism, and uses from ancient times to the present.
Join Us!
To register for NHM Discussions, search for ‘National Hellenic Museum’ on Eventbrite.com or click below.
Events that Brought Us Together
NHM Golf Outing: Teeing Up for Philanthropy
NHM’s Golf Outing at Stonebridge Country Club was a tremendous success, thanks to the enthusiastic presence and support of our generous donors. They enjoyed 18 holes of golf amidst picturesque greens, sparkling lakes, and great company followed by a delightful dinner. The event was organized to benefit the National Hellenic Museum, and it was a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and philanthropy. We extend special thanks to NHM Board Member Paul Athens for generously leading and supporting this event.
A special thank you goes to our generous TeeOff Sponsor, Calamos Investments, to our special sponsor Peter Parthenis, Sr., and to our Hole Sponsors: Alpha Building Corporation (Paul Athens), Pam and Jamie Crouthamel, the Dellaportas Family, DWK: Dussias, Wittenberg Koenigsberger Family Law, the James A. Regas Family, Service Steel Warehouse (Paul Athens), United Scrap Metal, and the Vranas Family Foundation.
Greek Heritage Parade Weekend Celebrated at the National Hellenic Museum
Every year, people fill the streets of Chicago’s historic Greektown for the Greek Heritage Parade, and this year was no exception. On the evening before the event, the Museum was the site of ENOSIS’ Pre-Parade Gala, a fun-filled night at the beginning of an exciting weekend. The next day, the Museum welcomed elected officials, dignitaries, and community members at a pre-parade gathering, including one of this year’s grand