Hungarian America at 250: Heritage, Identity, and the Role of Cultural Institutions

Type of Abstract (select): Panel Discussion

Abstract (max. 250 words):
As the United States approaches the commemoration of its 250th anniversary in
2026, this panel brings together scholars, cultural leaders, and community practitioners to
examine the enduring and evolving contributions of Hungarian Americans to the nation’s history.
Spanning from the Revolutionary era to the present, panelists will explore how Hungarian
immigrants and their descendants have shaped American civic life, scientific innovation, cultural
expression, and the arts.
The discussion will also highlight the essential role of institutions and initiatives—including the
American Hungarian Foundation, the Hungarian American Coalition, ReConnect Hungary/
HHRF, and contemporary platforms such as the Hungarian Heritage Podcast—in preserving,
interpreting, and expanding access to Hungarian-American history. Community-based archives
and modern modes of communication will be examined as vital tools for reaching broader and
more diverse audiences. Through historical analysis, case studies, and lived community
perspectives, panelists will address diasporic identity, the politics of memory, and the evolving
responsibilities of cultural stewardship.
This session invites a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation about both the opportunities
and challenges facing Hungarian-American heritage preservation during America’s
Semiquincentennial, emphasizing collaboration, accessibility, and intergenerational engagement
in shaping how these histories are remembered and shared.
• Melissa Katko Pepin, Executive Director, American Hungarian Foundation
• Andrea Lauer Rice, President, Hungarian American Coalition, Co-founder Memory
Project
•Christine Portnoy
Host and Producer, Hungarian Heritage Podcast
• Agnes Szanyi, Archivist, American Hungarian Foundation



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
1. Melissa Katko Pepin, Executive Director, American Hungarian Foundation
2. Andrea Lauer Rice, President, Hungarian American Coalition, Co-founder Memory
Project
3. Christine Portnoy
Host and Producer, Hungarian Heritage Podcast
• Agnes Szanyi, Archivist, American Hungarian Foundation