*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.

It’s Always Been Mary
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

It’s Always Been Mary

Mary George (nee Courounes) has held on tightly to her Greek heritage while living in Seattle, Washington, almost her entire life. She and her husband Harry have experienced the best of both Greek and American lifestyles.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
The Giving Farmer
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Giving Farmer

In his youth Panos George Takis (Tsiknes) learned to share what he had with others. He was taught the spirit of generosity on the family farm in Machias, Washington, which was a gathering place for many Greeks. Today he continues to help others in need.

Read More
The Modest Survivor
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Modest Survivor

Steve Mallos is not one to brag about his life. Growing up in a rather poor family, he retired as a Vice President of the American Automobile Association (AAA) of Washington despite several injuries and serious illnesses along the way.

Read More
Lawyer as Secular Priest
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Lawyer as Secular Priest

While Fr. Kouklis conducted baptism or funeral services in the church, his son was in court for an adoption or a will probate. With three generations of priests before him, it is no surprise that John Kouklis sees his work as providing meaningful, if not spiritual, services to his clients. As a priest’s son and an attorney, John draws some interesting comparisons of his and his father’s service in Tacoma, Washington.

Read More
Walking in Work
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Walking in Work

George Seraphim Serpanos may not share the ingredients for his salad dressing but his recipe for success in Seattle’s restaurant business is no secret. He has owned seven restaurants, operated or worked in seven others and has relatives operating three more.

Read More
The Light of My Life
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Light of My Life

John and Penny Sakellaris’ summer home on Blue Lake in central Washington has, according to Penny, “as much electrical wiring as The White House.” More impressive is the warm and bright manner in which they interact with people.

Read More
Making a House a Home
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Making a House a Home

Soap Lake, Washington, had about 2000 people when Sandra (Cassandra Athena) “Sandy” Marlene Pappas (Papaioanos) grew up there. Her parents’ friendships and civic activism led to the family’s success in this small community. Sandra has used her parents’ examples to become successful in the Seattle real estate field.

Read More
Making Good Parea
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Making Good Parea

For Terry (Sotiros) Nikolaos Karis (Kanakaris) making good parea (companionship) has been the key to a successful life in Seattle’s Greek community. It is clear that he has sought to maintain these friendships with old and young alike to keep his Greek culture and traditions alive.

Read More
The Plumakia
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Plumakia

Four children, 13 men named George, a happy family life and unselfish dedication to their church and community. That is the legacy that George and Theodora Plumis left with the four that have been endeared with the name “The Plumakia” (little Plumises).

Read More
My Heart is in Three Churches
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

My Heart is in Three Churches

From Spokane to Seattle to Bellingham, Mary Sellinas Hulbush has maintained her faith, her friends and her Greek heritage. Mary had two fathers, two marriages and has lived in three cities. Throughout her life her positive outlook and concern for friends and relatives have remained unflappable.

Read More
The Big Greek
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Big Greek

George Peter Prekeges has earned this title not only through his physical presence, but by his contributions to Spokane’s community. At the age of 20, George’s father Panagioti (Peter) George Prekeges came to Warden, Washington, from Arakova, (now Karia) Greece, a town near Sparta and Tripoli in the Peloponnese.

Read More
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.

Read More
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

Read More
Stitching Through Time
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Stitching Through Time

She is a devoted Seattle Mariners baseball fan. She is an accomplished seamstress. She never wears black. She enjoys a glass of wine or a vodka tonic before dinner. She never has a bad word for anyone. Clara wants to be remembered as enjoying life to the point of sharing what she has in talents, money and love with those with whom she comes in contact.

Read More