Preserving Greek Culture & Heritage

Our mission

Greek Heritage Society of Southern California (GHS) was established in 1985 to preserve the rich culture, heritage and traditions of Greek immigrants in Southern California. 

Read more...

Who We Are

GHS is a non-political, non-profit California corporation, in association with the Basil P. Caloyeras Modern Greek Studies Center at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California)for educational, literacy and educational purposes.

 Our Goals

To establish a Greek-American Archive and Resource Center that will showcase and preserve the artistic, academic, professional and athletic achievements of the local Greek community. To compile historical photos and documents and develop educational materials to stimulate and maintain an interest in Greek culture, literature and heritage. To provide workshops and training programs focusing on the accomplishments of the Greek community and extend this knowledge tomembers of the community. To work with other cultural and educational organizations for thepromotion of cross-cultural studies. 

Our DOCUMENTARIES

THE PIONEERS
1900-1942 

In 2002, GHS completed Part One of its documentary series, "The Greeks of Southern California Through the Century -- "The Pioneers: 1900-1942." Part One highlighted many of the historical features of the Greek community in the Los Angeles area, the heritage and cultural background, tradition and achievements of early Greek immigrants. Hosted and narrated by Olympia Dukakis along with John Kapelos, "The Pioneers" premiered in May 2002 at 20th Century Fox Studios, Los Angeles, California. Between 2002 and 2003, "The Pioneers" has been screened in numerous universities and cultural centers across the United States.

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW
1940-1960 

"The Promise of Tomorrow" is Part Two of our award-winning series, "The Greeks of Southern California Through the Century." The documentary series is the universal story of the Greek American experience as seen through the eyes of those who settled in Southern California. "The Promise of Tomorrow" chronicles the Greek American journey of the First Generation Greek Americans who were raised in Southern California, changing the face of our community. Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis returns to host "The Promise of Tomorrow" as it explores the way in which the Greek American community has become an integral part of American history while maintaining a strong and unique Greek identity.

 THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960-2018 

THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960-2018 explores the influences of successful second and third Greek Americans in business, education, sports, the arts, academia, etc. We look at how dating and intermarriage affect new generations. We see expanding Greek communities in suburban areas. And we follow the military experience from Vietnam to Afghanistan. The million dollar question is: Will our heritage survive, embedded in the framework that we know and love so well as Americans?  

News and Events

35(+2) Anniversary Celebration, January 8, 2023

Explore the journey of the Greeks of Southern California from the early 1900s until today through our rich, historic photography exhibit at Loyola Marymount University. For more details please visit the event page

RSVP here

Greek Heritage Society INTERVIEW on KXLA

If you missed our GHS TV interview today on KXLA, you can now watch it on YouTube. An inside look into the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California

Exploring your Greek Heritage Series: An Erased Generation Searches for its Greek Roots: An Adoptee's Perspective.  Webinar, May 21, 2022

Join the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California on May 21st at 10:00 a.m.PST for part 3 of our Exploring your Greek Heritage Series: An Erased Generation Searches for Its Greek Roots: An Adoptee's Perspective. In a fascinating Zoom presentation, Linda Carol Trotter, founder of the Eftychia Project, will share her touching personal story of finding her Greek birth mother in Greece and the mission and success of her project to help other adoptees find their families.

RSVP here

Exploring Your Greek Heritage Series: A Genealogy Workshop. Webinar, March 12, 2022

Presented by Carol Kostakos Petranek & Gregory Kontos
in collaboration with Greek Heritage Society of Southern California Co-hosted by The Basil P. Caloyeras Center of Modern Greek Studies, LMU.


Our Trilogy Now On Vimeo

Watch all three documentaries on Vimeo streaming "on demand" today!

The premiere of THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960-2018 

The premiere of THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960-2018 premiered May 5, 2019 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. It was a magical evening we will remember for a long time. Click here to see photos.

Click here to see MC Angelo Tsarouchas’ introduction and comments from our Production Committee.  

See photos from the event

We use cookies to give you the best experience. Read our cookie policy.