Atlanta's AHEPA Centennial Celebration Commemorative Album Donation

Atlanta’s AHEPA Centennial Celebration

“Early Greek immigrants to the United States brought a fervent desire for a better life and the work ethic to achieve it.  They also brought something which has been embedded in the Greek consciousness since the ancient Greeks’ belief in the gods and goddesses who ruled the lives of mortals: philoxenia — an unwritten law of Greek culture that offers hospitality, courtesy, and generosity to strangers.  As this tradition was such an integral part of their way of life, imagine the blow of being met with suspicion, bigotry, and hatred by the citizens of their chosen country who simply did not understand this immigrant group from southeastern Europe.

In this climate, our founders recognized the need for a collective voice to answer the questions and rumors circulating about this new group of future citizens.  Thus, AHEPA was born.”

Celebrating the founding of AHEPA on July 26, 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, this book includes brief biographies of the founders that paint images of turn-of-the-century Greece, the immigrant experience, and a very young Atlanta.  It highlights AHEPA’s growth and contributions throughout the years, including articles and submissions reflective of AHEPA’s mission in support of Hellenism, education and civic projects. 

Threaded throughout AHEPA’s history, is a background of Atlanta, American and world history:  Klan activity; the Baltic Wars; the Greek, Assyrian and Armenian Genocide; World War I; the Great Depression; World War II; the sale of war bonds; the Paris Peace Conference; the Greek Civil War; the Marshall Plan; and the continuing struggle to free Northern Cyprus.

Over two-hundred individuals contributed to the book’s content, demonstrating the expansive network of relationships developed throughout the years as a result of interaction with the AHEPA Family.  Many shared stories of growing up in an AHEPA family; many sent congratulatory letters avowing the importance of AHEPA’s contributions; chapters shared projects near to their hearts; and many paid tribute to Ahepans who had touched their lives.

There are 536 photographs in the book, including 175 from the Celebration Weekend alone. With very few exceptions, everyone in every photo is identified.  Donors to the Founding Monument are recognized in the book’s Weekend Celebration section which also includes the description and the unveiling of the Founding Monument.  This tribute honors not only the founding of AHEPA, but also the memory of the eight visionary men who began what is now the largest grass-roots organization of Hellenes and Philhellenes around the world. 

The 19-page index contains numerous cross-references including those for maiden names making it a meaningful resource for both historical and genealogical research.  Atlanta’s AHEPA Centennial Celebration has been submitted to the Library of Congress.