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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.
As Greek as I Can Get
With both Belgian and Greek legacies, Pearl Pavlos chose the latter and has always seen herself “as Greek as I can get” with inseparable ties to her Greek Orthodox Church.
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.
Not Lost in Translation
As a bilingual legal secretary, Molly Conom interpreted and translated for her boss, attorney Gust Kostakos, who spoke only English which his Greek-speaking clients did not know.
An Island Experience In Tacoma
For sister and brother, Voula Dodd and John John, life in Tacoma included much of the culture and traditions of living on the island of Marmara. In their teenage years, with exposure to American culture, their lives expanded and grew while maintaining the fond memories of their childhood.
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.
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.
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.
A Greek Village For Two
Ask Petro Farmasonis where the best Greek food can be found in Seattle, Washington, and he will point to his own kitchen. From 1966 to 1979 Petro and Colleen Farmasonis operated Seattle’s successful Greek-themed restaurant, the Eleniko Horio, Greek Village.
An American-Greek Life in Aberdeen
Eleni or “Nitsa” (the familiar of Elenitsa or little Eleni) Rockas (nee Rotous) was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington, on November 6, 1933. She is seen here holding her autobiography, “Reflections of an American-Greek Life,” which she completed in May of 2013. In her words: “Now that I am almost 80 years old, it is time to write a history of MY LIFE so that my children and grandchildren will understand their mother and yiayia (grandmother) and how she became what she is because of the history of her origins.”
At Home On Land Or Sea
Bill and Jeanne Kaimakis have shared many wonderful and challenging moments both in houses on land and on a 50-foot ocean-going vessel. Now settled in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, they share stories of their Greek-American experiences.
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.
Float Like a Butterfly
The butterfly collection in Ethel Barbas’ home illustrates 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. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Ethel (Anthe) Evans (Evangelou) has roots in Everett and Seattle as well.
My Dear, You Have the Knowledge.
“MY DEAR, YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE.”
This is the reply Elly (Helle) Protopsaltou Pangis received when she humbly said she was not qualified to teach Greek school.
Brothers From Blyn
The three Kravas brothers, Bill, Harry and Gus, grew up on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. They were poor by today’s standards but never knew it, thanks in large part to parents who provided them with a loving environment and a deep appreciation of their Hellenic heritage.