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*The Digital Exhibits are in the process of being transferred from our old website. If you cannot find a specific history, please check the internet archives at the Wayback Machine or message museum staff.
Please note that the museum is supported by part time staff and volunteers. If you would like to speed or support these projects, consider volunteering or making a donation to the museum.
And I Said, “Why Not?”
Pictured here, with love birds in hand, Tony and Zoe Okos were married in 2017 but had known each other since their childhood days in Greece. Their lives are linked through centuries of relatives and historical figures. Zoe’s allegiance, family, children and grandchildren are in Greece while Tony’s is totally in America.
Building a Neighborhood
Many Greek immigrants who become successful entrepreneurs are leaders and prominent figures in their Greek community. For Nick Sfondouris, his contributions have been in his own Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
Remembering the Forgotten
Combine the administrative, educational and organizational talents of three siblings and you have the history of Greeks in the Yakima Valley of Washington State.
The Priest With Many Parishes
Since his ordination in 1966, Father John Angelis has served in 12 different parishes during 56 years as a Greek Orthodox priest, most of them after he retired in 2007. He and Presvytera Anna continue their service via ZOOM from their home. In his words, “It has been a blessing for us to get to know and serve so many people. Praise be to God."
Distant Yet Close Siblings
Michael Peter Kazaras was born on September 28, 1940, in North Bronx, New York, and lives in Kirkland, Washington, with his wife Lisa. Michael’s sister, Joann Veloudis, also born in the Bronx in 1942, lives in the Athens suburb Holargos with her husband Stamos. Joann’s son, Evangelos “Evan” lives in San Jose, California, and daughter Maria lives near her uncle Michael in Bothell, Washington. It was a special opportunity to have all of them together for this interview on November 18, 2022.
Two for the Museum
Since 2009, John and Joann Nicon have been conducting video interviews with Greeks and Greek-Americans in Washington State. With the help of many others, stories from those interviews have been shared worldwide. Now, here is a little information about John and Joann and their work with the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State.
Even His Parrot Speaks Greek
Heracles Panagiotides is a scholar, researcher, and philosopher. Almost everything about him reflects his Greek heritage and his Greek Orthodox faith. He has taught the Greek language to innumerable students and even his parrot speaks Greek.
The Flying Educator
Nick Cosmakos’s aviation career really began at 16 years of age when his parents gave him a $200 gift certificate to a local flight school. Now, with over 40 years as a pilot, he continues his career training those who fly the skies for Alaska Airlines.
Her Father Called Her “Dascala”
From the time she was a young child, Andrea Topetzes Mann loved to “play school.” The benefit of education through her family and in her life has resulted in a strong dedication to her role as a teacher (dascala).
A Military Historian
Constantine “Gus” George Chamales retired as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army after a 21-year career. In retirement he has managed the military ministry of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, Washington, a task that documents and honors those Church members who have served their country. With a deep interest in history, he has also been able to trace his family back to the 1700s.
A Good Life in Cashmere
Christos (Chris) Roumeliotis was born in Athens, Greece, on December 17, 1925. His experiences in Greece during World War II and his work in Cashmere, Washington, combine for a long life of hard work and gratitude for the blessings he has received.
The Boss Lady From Birch Bay
Harieklia Nina Meras-Bryant is a self-proclaimed “bossy lady," a characteristic that has contributed to her success and her ability to help those less fortunate. She was born in Havre, Montana, to parents George and Stavroula (nee Golemati) on March 26, 1939.
Greek Immigrant Meets Southern Belle
George and Diane Pirotis’s son, Stavros, has enjoyed a mix of cultures and accents, from his father, a Greek visitor to Seattle in 1977 (and a USA Citizen since 1982), and his mother from a long-standing South Carolina family. Their common values and strong faith have offset any differences in their heritage.
It’s Just a Part of Who We Are.
Sisters Mary Lou Barton and Joanne Zarkades contribute innumerable hours to their church, not out of obligation but, just like their mother, it is just part of who they are.
I Get Chills
That’s what Terry Xenos Proios said when she and her siblings gathered to tell their story of emigration from Leros, Greece, and life in Seattle, Washington. Three sisters of the nine-member Xenos family are featured here along with remembrances of their family life.
A Culinary Philosopher
Constantinos “Costas” Nikolaos Antonopoulos brought his skills as a pastry chef to Seattle, Washington, in 1968. From there he expanded his culinary skills and became a successful and respected restaurateur.
Five Generations and Counting
The Derezes and Falangus families were among the first Greek settlers in the northwest United States. Five generations later their descendants have maintained their Greek culture. With only one exception, following the Greek tradition, all have been named after their grandparents.
Out of the Detroit Bubble
Tom, Helen and Demetra Barbas’ family moved to Seattle, Washington, in November of 1944 from a protective Greek “bubble” in Detroit, Michigan. From there, the Barbas children blossomed as they assimilated into their new Northwest society.
Float Like A Butterfly
The butterfly collection in Ethel Barbas’ home personifies her joyful and optimistic visits with family and friends as she travels the roads in western Washington. Testimony to her travel is her 1997 Honda del Sol with over 350,000 miles.
Many Strangers, Two Little Kisses
Pauli (Pauline) Cave’s name is interesting. Her given name, Polixeni, literally translated means many strangers and her first married name, Diafos, was originally Diafilakis or two little kisses.