The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Community Collection,
Scope and Content

The importance of this collection lies in the fact that it

• describes the development of the Greek Community in Dayton, Ohio
  
• illustrates their widespread activities through their community events
  
• describes the industrious nature of the Greek immigrant
  
• portrays an immigrant experience common to this country in the twentieth century
  
• describes the Greek contribution to the larger Dayton Community.

The photographs in this collection give a picture of the many obstacles that the immigrants faced coming to this country. Immigrants had to work hard to create an identity for themselves and for their children; they sacrificed to educate their children while working in factories, restaurant and other businesses. At the same time they took advantage of the economic opportunities offered in their new country; this enabled them to succeed. The development of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Community was an important step in retaining their culture, identity and religion. In many respects this development parallels that of other ethnic communities in cities throughout twentieth century America.

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