Greek American Pioneer Women of Illinois Exhibition

This exhibition is based on the book, Greek-American Pioneer Women of Illinois, produced by the Greek Women's University Club and edited by Dr. Elaine Thomopoulos, Ph.D.

Greek women pioneers faced a difficult life when they arrived in the xenetia ("strange land") from the rural farms of Greece. They did not speak English and were bewildered by crowded Chicago and the alien culture. Yet these brave, spirited women triumphed over adversity and embraced their adopted country to become exemplary citizens.

The exhibit features the struggles and triumphs, the pathos and joy of five women who emigrated to the United States from 1885 to 1923: Georgia Bitzis Pooley, Presbytera Stella Christoulakis Petrakis, Theano Papazoglou Margaris, Venette Tomaras Askounes Ashford, and Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis. 

Exhibit Hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• Closed: Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)