The exhibit celebrates the Hungarian immigrants and their descendants in the development of, and contributions to, various fields of endeavor including Science, Mathematics, Business, the Military, Architecture, Literature, Cinematography, Film, Art, Photography, Entertainment, and Sports.
Of direct relevance to this anniversary is the founding and training of recruits for the US cavalry during the Revolutionary War by Colonel Michael Kovats and his heroic engagement at the Battle of Charleston, SC on May 11, 1779, where he lost his life.
The exhibit recounts the dedication and service of many Hungarian officers who took part in the Hungarian War for Independence of 1848 – 1849, who then came to the United States and formed an experienced military officer contingent to the Union in the Civil War.
There are 148 names on the Legacy Wall who made noteworthy contributions in those various fields noted above. They range from being awarded the Medal of Honor for their service to this country to winning the Nobel Prize in Science, Economics and Medicine; from winning the Academy Award for their role in Acting, Cinematography, Directing or Music to receiving the Pulitzer Prize in Literature.
The Pulitzer Prize was established in 1917 by American publishing tycoon Joseph Pulitzer who immigrated from Mako, Hungary. With money he bequeathed to Columbia University, the prestigious annual monetary award continues to recognize achievements in American journalism, photography, literature, history, poetry, music and drama.
Every individual in the Exhibit is exemplary and deserving of recognition for the determination and dedication with which they achieved their contribution to their field; collectively, these Hungarian-Americans have enriched the culture and elevated the stature of the United States of America over its 250th year history.
The Exhibit is supplemented and enhanced by interactive video experiences featuring many of the individuals and their accomplishments, explanations and examples of the science and math or business and artistic successes for which they are known. There are also videos of their personal background and history as Hungarian immigrants or as their descendants which add to our understanding and appreciation of their contributions and their Hungarian-American experience.
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