Hellenic Heritage Project

The Journey That Shaped a Community

A virtual museum dedicated to preserving the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Greek immigrants who crossed oceans to build new lives in America.

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Oral Histories
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Artifacts
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Timeline Events
3M+
Greek Americans

A Voice From the Journey

Behind the Counter: The Greek Diners of New York City

Behind the Counter: The Greek Diners of New York City

In 1976, photographer Kay Zakariasen walked into the Greek-owned diners of New York City with a camera and a notebook. What she found behind the counters β€” the owners, the cooks, the salad men, the…

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Many Stories. One Journey.

Voices & Institutions

The Voice on the Dial

WEVD, Tina Santorineou, and the Sound of Greek New York

In the age before streaming and smartphones, Greek radio in New York helped hold together a scattered immigrant world. At WEVD, Tina Santorineou becam…

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Keeping Greece on the Air

Hellenic Public Radio, Cosmos FM, and the GAEPIS Story

Cosmos FM and GAEPIS represent the next chapter of Greek broadcasting in New York: a nonprofit, bilingual, public-service model built to preserve Hell…

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Moments That Defined a Migration

1880–1890

First Wave of Greek Immigration Begins

Greeks begin arriving in significant numbers, primarily from the Peloponnese region, seeking economic opportunity in Ame…

1892

Ellis Island Opens as Immigration Station

Ellis Island opens on January 1, 1892, becoming the primary gateway for millions of immigrants including tens of thousan…

1900–1920

Peak Greek Immigration

The largest wave of Greek immigration to the United States. Over 350,000 Greeks arrive, most passing through Ellis Islan…

1911

Dillingham Commission Report

The U.S. Immigration Commission issues a report distinguishing between "old" and "new" immigrants, paving the way for re…

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Do You Have a Story to Share?

If your family came from Greece, your story is part of this history. We invite you to share your family's journey β€” a name, a photograph, a memory. Every story preserved is a voice saved from silence.

Share Your Family's Story