Exploring the past, understanding the present, and assessing the future of Hellenism in America

Aspasia and William Siringas Cultural and Charitable Foundation

One-Day Workshop and Piano Concert (Chicago)    
Guided Tour (Chicago — Northern Indiana) and Greektown Experience

Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs are well enjoyed through the knowledge of the communities that compose their amazing ethnic puzzle. The Greeks certainly are one of the most interesting. They began immigrating to the Chicago area in the 1840’s, and created one of the world's largest Greek settlements. Through work and ingenuity, they overcame poverty and discrimination, and evolved into an affluent, proud, and vibrant community. Their historic neighborhood, Greektown, became one of Chicago’s main attractions. 
Based on the real story of Aspasia and William Siringas, a couple of immigrants from the Greek island of Icaria who moved to the Chicago area at the beginning of the 20th century, an one-day workshop will contribute to a richer understanding of a real modern Greek epic: the transformation within a matter of decades of a marginalized and even despised working mass of immigrants to one of the most prosperous, educated, and socially active communities in the United States. Emphasis will be given on Aspasia’s role as a community organizer and cultural promoter. Contributions are expected to the actions of Aspasia’s brother, business magnate and philanthropist John Manta, and other distinguished relatives. The workshop participants may include family members, academics, researchers, and literary personalities. Our guests are vividly encouraged to pose questions and participate in conversations. The workshop will be followed by a reception. Location TBA.

On the following day, a four-hour guided tour aims to shed even more light on the Greek American success story, revive the lives of Aspasia, William, and their immediate family, and familiarize our guests with Chicago’s Greek venerable institutions, colorful establishments, and of course their Greek people. It comprises a complete Greektown tour, and visits to two museums (National Hellenic Museum and Jane Adams Hull-House Museum) as well as to an art gallery. It includes Chicago’s Pilsen and South Shore neighborhoods, and extends over three northern Indiana communities: East Chicago, the home of Aspasia and William, Hammond, and Schererville. Based on availability, we may meet a Greek artist and/or renowned Greek author. At the end of the tour, our guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a Greek menu at one of Greektowns’ restaurants, and even sample Greek delicacies from the local pastry shops.

In the same evening, our guests are invited to attend an intimate concert in the memory of Aspasia and William featuring original piano compositions by internationally acclaimed Greek composer Michael Karras. Location TBA.

Accommodations at a centrally located hotel with easy access to Chicago’s best attractions.

Optional Chicago and North Shore Tours

1. Downtown Chicago, Heritage and History: Discovering the Heart of an American Metropolis

A four-hour tour that covers Chicago's central district. It aims to make our guests familiar with downtown's unique architectural heritage, exquisite public art, and vibrant lifestyle. More precisely, the tour extends over the following areas:

• Water Tower, Magnificent Mile. Michigan Avenue shopping district and main landmarks: John Hancock Center, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Pumping Station & Tower, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Equitable Building, etc.
• Chicago Cultural Center; Millennium Park; Art Institute. Special emphasis on Cultural Center's mosaic decoration and stained glass domes, Millennium Park Bandshell, Cloud Gate—“The Bean,” Art Institute's Modern Wing, and Nichols Bridgeway.
• Loop and Chicago River. Hotel Burnham, Carson Pirie Scott & Co. , Richard J. Daley Center & Plaza, and other landmarks that make of Chicago the cradle of modern architecture.

It is basically a walking tour, but it also includes a CTA “L” experience.

2. Chicago Stained Glass: An Exquisite Part of Chicago's FamouS Architectural Tradition

Chicago saw a genuine revival of stained glass art during the 19th and the first decades of the 20th century. Crafted by Tiffany and other renowned American glass-making firms, or imported from European ateliers, outstanding stained glass creations still embellish many of Chicago's architectural monuments, like churches, public buildings, or commercial spaces. Stained glass even became an integral element of the architectural style known as “Prairie School.”

Our aim is to make our guests know some of the most characteristic examples in Chicago. Our tour comprises the Chicago Cultural Center, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass, the Elks Memorial, and the Dan Ryan Memorial Chapel. We can include additional visits to religious monuments depending on their schedule and the travelers’ time.

After our tour is completed, our guests may be interested in having dinner surrounded by stained glass as part of a decoration extravaganza from the 1920's and 1930's. We know a most surprising place!

3. Holocaust Museum, Botanic Garden, and Ravinia: Must-see facets of Chicago's North Shore

Journey with us to some sites and institutions that shape the cultural landscape of the elegant villages north of Chicago. 

We start our tour at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center; its stunning exhibits preserve the memory of the Shoah and promote human rights and dignity. We then stop for a bagel and shopping at Westfield Old Orchard Mall, an example of modern commercial architecture. Next, we head north to the graceful village, Highland Park, where we will visit the Art Center and certainly not miss the Willits House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Then south to Chicago Botanic Garden, considered as a “living plant museum” featuring 26 gardens over a unique scenic lake area. 

Our final destination is Ravinia, summer home of the Chicago Symphony, and the oldest summer music festival in the United States. Based on availability we may meet a North Shore classical musician. At the end of our tour, our guests have the option to remain at Ravinia and see a live music performance, if the event is taking place (check www.ravinia.org for ticket availability).

4. North Shore – Wilmette: Discovering the most exclusive part of the Chicagoland

Campuses of prestigious schools, impressive places of worship, elegant mansions, and many other architectural gems sprinkle the residential district north of Chicago along the Lake Michigan. The “North Shore” is one of North America's most prosperous, refined, and educated areas.

We start our tour by visiting the historical city of Evanston, home of Northwestern University, and of a vivacious intellectual community. We continue our tour along the scenic lakefront up to North Shore Channel. As we explore the village of Wilmette, our guests will certainly admire its architectural heritage. The Bahá’í Temple, the Oak Circle Historic District, and the houses built by Frank Lloyd Wright are only a few of the villages’ landmarks. Then we'll stop for snack/shop at the Spanish style complex Plaza del Lago.

Our next destinations are the most fashionable suburbs of Kenilworth and Winnetka, including the famous New Trier High School. Our tour in North Shore concludes with a visit to the old Gross Point Village Hall.