ABOUT THE HERITAGE MUSEUM OF EPIRUS

Located in the heart of the Greek community of Queens, the Heritage Museum of Epirus is the only functioning museum in New York City devoted to preserving Greek heritage. Under the auspices of the Society of Epirotes Anagenesis and Ladies Auxiliary “Souliotissai”, the museum specifically focuses on the culture and traditions of Epirus, a region located at the Northwest corner of Greece.

The Heritage Museum of Epirus is the expression of the vision and pride of the members of the Society of Epirotes “Anagenesis” and Ladies Auxiliary “Souliotissai”. In the 1980s and 1990s, Society members recognized that the things they had brought with them from Epirus when they came to America tell a story about Epirus (and Greece as a whole). Thus, the museum was founded in part through the organizational efforts of Chris Kossovitsas and the many others who volunteered their time and energy, as well as those who generously donated various objects, textiles, and treasured family heirlooms so that those stories can be appreciated by the rest of the world.  The museum officially opened on December 14, 2003.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Heritage Museum of Epirus is dedicated to preserving the culture and cultural traditions of Epirus, Greece, and making Epirotan heritage accessible in ways that enrich present and future generations through exhibitions and public programs. Thus, the museum has the responsibility to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit traditional clothes, textiles, photos, and other artifacts that were made in or relate to Epirus, Greece.

 

THE COLLECTION

The permanent collection of the Heritage Museum of Epirus includes traditional costumes from the various regions of Epirus, embroidered and woven textiles, decorative silver objects and jewelry, an array of agricultural and shepherding tools, and numerous household objects in a recreated traditional living room.

These objects were created decades and even centuries ago, thereby reflecting traditional styles and a forgotten way of life. Yet even in today’s globalized and technology-driven world, there is something timeless and universal about hand-made crafts that reveals our common humanity and inspires visitors.

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