Greek Immigration to the USA | 10 May 2025

“Historical Walks” opens the chapter on Greek immigration to the United States—from the late 19th century to the present day.

On this episode, we follow Professor Emeritus of History at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, Alexander Kitroeff, as he traces the journey of the early Greek immigrants—from the villages of the Peloponnese and Central Greece to the gateway of Ellis Island, and from there across the American continent.

We explore the conditions of their journey, the dreams they carried, and the culture shocks that awaited them. The episode delves into the racism they faced and how they gradually adapted until they were ultimately accepted as “Greek Americans.”

Through his well-documented perspective, renowned scholar of the Greek diaspora Alexander Kitroeff also explains the pivotal role of the Orthodox Church as an institution of cohesion and identity.

The narration is accompanied by music selected by Professor Kitroeff himself—both traditional and contemporary songs that serve as a bridge between “here” and “there,” “then” and “now.”

Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi, journalist