While the first large-scale Greek migration to the United States did not begin until the 1890s, Greeks have arrived on American shores since the very beginning of European contact. Perhaps the most significant period of early Greek immigration to the United States occurred in New England in the early nineteenth century. Spurred on by the support of New England Philhellenes, who were dedicated to the cause of Greek independence, New England became a hub of intellectual life for the Greek diaspora as Greek refugees mingled with New England’s most important thinkers and reformers. Here these first Greek Americans joined the Abolition Movement, helped create schools for the blind, and campaigned for women’s suffrage.

Join Dr. Katherine Kelaidis, resident scholar and director of academic collaboration at the National Hellenic Museum, for this virtual program on one of America’s first and most dynamic Greek communities.

Presented by Historic New England. Register here.