2012 was a very special year for Albania which celebrated 100 years of independence. In honor of this joyous occasion, the Martin and Mirash Ivanaj Foundation Institute contributed by giving the Albanian peoples a meaningful and historically significant gift. For the very first time in 73 years since the Italian Fascist occupation in 1939 and then the Nationalized Albanian Government in 1950 confiscated it, the villa built by brothers Martin and Mirash Ivanaj was open to the public interested in taking a journey into a part of their country’s past.
The Exhibition contained personal family photographs and artifacts as well as large panels that display the incredible work and contributions in the fields of Education and Law of the two brothers. The honorary and guest speaker at the event was Ambassador William E. Ryerson, who is a great supporter of the Foundation.
The Exhibition took place on November 29th and 30th and both days were very well attended by high ranking public officials, civil society and dozens of international visitors as well. The Exhibition received great media coverage from local Albanian newspapers and the largest U.S. international broadcaster; Voice of America.
Main Achievements: The Exhibition served as a history lesson “come to life”. This event educated, entertained, inspired, motivated and brought people together to celebrate two influential figures during one of the country’s most joyous occasions; it’s centenary year.
