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MISSION + BRIEF HISTORY

Mission

The Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum (HACCM) gathers, preserves, and shares the Hellenic (Greek) American experience in Oregon and SW Washington. 

HACCM was established in order to: 

  • Gather, preserve, and share knowledge of the Hellenic (Greek) American experience in Oregon and SW Washington, starting with the earliest immigrants and continuing into the future.
  • Celebrate the rich cultural traditions brought to this region by Hellenes, and to honor the activities and accomplishments of Hellenic Americans.
  • Establish a physical cultural center comprising at least a museum, research and lending library, bookstore, facilities for dance and singing activities, lecture and exhibit facilities, and a gathering place.
  • Secure funding for developing and supporting the Center, and to identify its stakeholders.
  • Facilitate sharing and passing forward the above among ourselves, to our future generations, philhellenes, scholars, schools, and others.
History and Future Plans:
 

The Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum (HACCM) of Oregon and SW Washington was formed in 2007 by proud Greek-Americans who desired to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage. The museum and cultural center focuses on educating Hellenic-Americans, philhellenes, and the broader public in their customs, traditions and history, and on preserving the Greek-American immigrant experience in Oregon and SW Washington. 

Highlights from the organization’s history:

In 2007, HACCM became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. HACCM transformed a large room in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Father Elias Stephanopoulos Community Center to be used for hosting exhibits, workshops, and to store a permanent collection.

Over the next 10 years, HACCM expanded its exhibit hall to include portable panels, additional display cabinets, display racks, large storage cabinets, new pedestals and art lighting and an office, and the acquisition of computer equipment and software for digitizing, cataloging and archiving the information about our collections and our work. 

Other milestones:

  • Displaying over 19 exhibits at our museum and other venues (Oregon Historical Society, senior centers and World Forestry Center). Past titles have included:
    • “Greek Entrepreneurs”
    • “In the Shadow of the Acropolis”
    • “Textiles of Greece”
    • And others! Learn more about our exhibits by clicking here.
  • Hosting several lectures, film nights, book talks, concerts, and other events about Hellenic history, culture, arts and current events
  • Bringing Ancient Greek Theater to the Portland area
  • Welcoming students, senior centers, and other groups for tours of the museum
  • Holding classes on different aspects of the Hellenic culture (bouzouki music, tavli, embroidery)
  • Recording community history through:
    • Oral histories with immigrants, first- and second-generation Greeks
    • Archives of community obituaries
    • Wedding album
  • Celebrating our 15th anniversary in 2023
  • Launching “All Things Greek: The HACCM Podcast” (listen on Spotify!)
  • Creating our first digital interactive exhibit (view it here)

In 2023, the Board approved the latest strategic plan, which covers 2023-2026. HACCM plans to continue to display new exhibits, develop engaging programming, and welcome audiences to our museum and cultural center. At the same time, we plan to expand our reach and enhance our services so that the public and future generations can continue to learn, engage with, and share in Hellenic history, culture, and traditions.