SOP Donate $35,000 to the Manchester Historical Association's Millyard Museum

MANCHESTER, NH - On January 30, the Sons of Pericles Supreme Lodge, along with the Sons of Pericles Centennial Committee, presented a check for $35,000 to the Manchester Historical Association's Millyard Museum.

The Millyard Museum graciously hosted the Sons of Pericles Centennial Celebration welcome reception this evening and displayed memorabilia from the Sons of Pericles Mother Lodge, along with other artifacts that had been gathered over the past century.

Some of the SOP Memorabilia on display. The fez, donated by SOP Phocion Ch. 44 in Albany, NY, will be a part of the museum's permanent display.

A short speaking program was held, featuring greetings from Centennial committee co-chair Paul Pavlakos, PSP, and PSP Greg Vourloumis, also a member of the Centennial Committee. Order of AHEPA Supreme Governor Dr. Greg Simones also spoke, presenting Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basilios Ronstadt with a vintage SOP medallion to be added to the Sons of Pericles archives. AHEPA Executive Director and SOP PSP Basil N. Mossaidis spoke regarding his own experience with the Sons and why it is important to preserve our rich Hellenic history.

The evening culminated with a speech by Sons of Pericles Supreme President Basilios Ronstadt in which he pointed out that The Millyard Museum stands as a steward of Manchester's legacy, preserving the stories of the people who built the city. He remarked that these people, immigrants, workers, families, and communities, shared the same journey as the founders of the Sons of Pericles. By supporting the Millyard Museum, the Sons of Pericles are ensuring that future generations understand not only where Manchester came from, but how organizations such as the SOP helped to shape it's civic and cultural fabric.

AHEPA Supreme Governor Dr. Greg Simones presents a vintage medallion to SP Ronstadt.

"This donation is more than a financial contribution. It is a statement.

It says that the Sons of Pericles does not merely celebrate history, we invest in it. It says that a centennial is not only a time to look back with pride, but a moment to act with intention. And it says that we are committed to leaving a permanent legacy, one that will outlast any single term, chapter, or generation," the Supreme President spoke on the SOP contribution to the museum just before presenting the check.

The Millyard Museum will permanently host a Sons of Pericles exhibit that will ensure that our Order's history always has a place in Manchester.

The funds donated to the Millyard Museum will go to help underwrite ongoing and upcoming projects that will document immigration to Manchester, as well as to perpetuate the preservation of the history of our birthplace.

In addition to the photos below, you can view photos from the entire Centennial weekend by clicking the button below.

Click to visit the Centennial Celebration Gallery