*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.

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You Are What You Where When
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

You Are What You Where When

Chris (Christos) Anastasiou Zervas was born in Prosimni, Argolidos, in the Greek Peloponnese. His birthdate varies depending on the document used. Chris Zervas uses these simple words give meaning to how our beliefs and culture have made us what we are today.

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The Flying Educator
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

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.

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Rediscovering Greek School
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Rediscovering Greek School

As a youngster in Tacoma, Washington, JoAnn Tryfon’s Greek school lessons did not stay with her. However, in her retirement years she has come to understand and appreciate what she missed as a child. She has also compiled over 25 books of family photos and documents.

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Ladies of the North
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Ladies of the North

That’s how Vasiliki “Billie” Larimer (nee Babunes) referred to her mother’s group of friends who would gather at their homes for their regular sessions of sewing, cooking and sharing stories. Billie and her sister, Ekaterini “Katie” O’Neil (nee Babunes) share their stories of growing up in Seattle, Washington.

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Bringing the Cooking Back Home
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

Bringing the Cooking Back Home

Born, raised and educated in Washington State, Theodora Cokinakis Geokezas spent 31 years in Minnesota raising her family, serving her community and polishing her culinary skills. Back in Seattle since 1999, she continues to contribute her skills to her church and community.

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The Brothers Three
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

The Brothers Three

  George, Andrew and Angelo Ballasiotes’ youthful escapades were occasionally overlooked as their father Christos was well known and respected in Aberdeen, Washington.  The three brothers grew up at a time when the Grays Harbor logging camps and sawmills provided significant wealth for its residents and where a surprisingly large number of Greeks settled.  Their love and admiration for their father who they say was the kindest and most generous person you would ever meet permeates their stories.

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Spiro’s Finest Hours
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Spiro’s Finest Hours

From 1972 to 1984 the Greek Radio Hour, with disco cavalaris (disc jockey) Spyridon “Spiro” Demetrios Savvides, served to entertain and inform with music and news from the homeland. This was only one of the many endeavors Spiro developed in his varied career.

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The Grilling of Pericles
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Grilling of Pericles

On the way to his interview Pericles “Perry” Homer Scarlatos, while clutching several manila folders full of family history and photos, said “I’m ready for my grilling.” This comment truly represents this man who has always been thoroughl

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