Donation by the SHP – Philhellenism Museum: Monument to the Philhellenes, Frank Abney Hastings, and the “Karteria” in Itea

 

In an atmosphere of deep emotion and national pride, the official unveiling ceremony of the emblematic Monument to the Philhellenes, Frank Abney Hastings, and the legendary steam-powered warship “Karteria” was held on Sunday, September 27th, 2026, at the Port of Itea.

The event took place within the framework of the celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the Naval Battle of Agali (17 September 1827), during which Frank Abney Hastings (1794-1828), the visionary commander of the “Karteria,” dealt a decisive blow to the Ottoman fleet, paving the way for the liberation of Western Central Greece.

The events commenced with a Doxology at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, officiated by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Phocis, Lord Theoktistos. The keynote address of this exceptional day was delivered by Brigadier General (Hon.) Constantinos Velentzas, President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, through whose initiative, design, and funding the monument in honour of Hastings was erected.

Subsequently, a memorial service and the laying of wreaths took place at the Agali Fallen Soldiers Monument, followed by a student and military parade, culminating in the magnificent unveiling ceremony of the Monument to the Philhellenes, Hastings, and the “Karteria” at the center of the Port of Itea.

The government was represented by the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ioannis Bougas, while the presentation of the emblematic monument took place in the presence of the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, the representative of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), Captain Nikolaos Sartzis HN, the Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Greece, Robyn Goldsmith, the Governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, the Vice-Governor of the Regional Unit of Phocis, Peggy Aravantinou-Tze, the Mayor of Delphi, Panagiotis Tagalis, the President of the Port Fund of Phocis, Sofia Anagnostakou, and Efstathios Malakis.

In his speech, the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, Constantinos Velentzas, highlighted the reasons and symbolism behind the erection of the monument: first, to pay tribute to the visionary, pioneer of naval technology, and founder of the Hellenic Navy, the British Philhellene and national benefactor Frank Abney Hastings, who dedicated his knowledge, fortune, and life to Greek Independence, falling prematurely in 1828 at Aitoliko at the age of just 34. Second, to highlight the universal nature of Philhellenism, as the monument is not limited to a single individual but honours the memory of all the Greek and Philhellene fighters who manned the “Karteria” and the other ships of the fleet (Sotir, Vavaria, Philellinis), vessels funded by Philhellenic committees across Europe and the USA. Thus, the names of figures such as the Briton Georges Thomas, the French Baron Dentzel, the Dane Fabricius, the Americans Howe and Williams, the German Treiber, the Swiss Gosse, and the Greeks Alikouris and Oikonomou have been inscribed on the monument’s shaft.

This impressive work, rich in symbolism, stands 3.00 meters tall and is crafted entirely from premium-quality Dionysos marble. The bust of Commander Hastings surmounts the structure, while its four sides bear the inscribed names of the Greek and Philhellene fighters, as well as the crew members of the “Karteria”, who were the heroes behind the victory at the Naval Battle of Agali.

The monument, which reflects the international solidarity of that era, was created by sculptor Vangelis Ilias and funded by the SHP (Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism) and the Philhellenism Museum.

In this context, Mr. Velentzas expressed the wish that the Hellenic Navy would soon bestow the name “Hastings” upon one of the fleet’s new vessels, serving as an enduring reminder of the strong bonds of friendship between Greece and the United Kingdom, as well as the two nations’ shared mission regarding European security and the protection of the common values of our civilisation.

This new historical landmark at the Port of Itea is expected to contribute decisively to the cultural and tourism development of the region, enhancing extroversion and international twinning initiatives, while keeping alive the timeless message of freedom and solidarity among people.

Information: info@phmus.org

 

The descendants of the eminent American Philhellene Samuel Gridley Howe in Greece

 

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum had the pleasure and honor of hosting nine descendants of the American Philhellene medical doctor Samuel Gridley Howe (1801-1876) in Greece.

The descendants of this iconic Philhellene, who participated in the Greek War of Independence and contributed to the reconstruction of the newly established Greek state by offering humanitarian aid and financial support, visited the Philhellenism Museum, the Philhellenes’ Monument at the War Museum, the Acropolis, as well as the island of Aegina, where a monument dedicated to their ancestor stands at the harbor.

In coordination with Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias, Samuel Howe undertook the construction of the first harbor with a pier for the newly independent Greek state, located in Aegina. Funding was provided through donations from American citizens, raised via fundraising campaigns organized by Howe in the United States. The construction work was carried out by refugees of the Greek War of Independence, primarily from Athens, who received a basic daily wage. Furthermore, as an experienced surgeon, he treated the wounded and organized the health infrastructure on the island (1828-1830).

Howe’s descendants were welcomed by the Mayor of Aegina, Mr. Giannis Zorbas, at the town hall. The reception included a ceremony, a video screening on the history of Samuel Howe, speeches, and an exchange of symbolic gifts. Howe’s descendants presented the Mayor with a book containing their ancestor’s journal from the period of his participation in the Greek War of Independence, while the SHP presented a medal bearing the portrait of this great benefactor of Greece.

The Philhellenism Museum preserves in its collections personal belongings of Lord Byron and Samuel Howe, as well as documents and books published by the latter in support of Greece. The co-existence of their relics under the same roof reflects the deep and enduring connection between these two eminent Philhellenes: Lord Byron was the ideological role model who inspired the young medical doctor Howe to leave America and fight in Greece.

You may find Samuel Gridley Howe’s biography, here.

For information: info@phmus.org