The year 2026 marks one of the most significant milestones in the history of the United States — the 250th anniversary of American independence. This anniversary is not only a national celebration, but also a unique opportunity to present, in a historically accurate and educational way, the contributions of many peoples who helped build, strengthen, and advance America.
Among them, the Serbian people and the Tesla people hold a distinctive and important place.
From Đorđe Šagić (George Fisher), one of the earliest Serbian figures involved in American history, to Mihajlo Pupin and Nikola Tesla, and continuing to the present day through scientists, university professors, engineers, artists, military contributors, and world-class athletes of Serbian origin — the Serbian contribution to America spans more than two centuries.
Unfortunately, this contribution is still not widely known, especially among younger generations, including many Serbian Americans who may no longer speak the Serbian language fluently. That is why a well-prepared, dignified, and educational celebration of America’s 250th anniversary is so important — not as a political statement, but as an act of cultural, educational, and civic diplomacy.
Philadelphia — The Birthplace of America
The central location of the 2026 celebration will be Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created and signed. Philadelphia also holds special significance for the Serbian and Tesla communities, as it is a city where Nikola Tesla lived and where his birthday has been celebrated for many years.
For these reasons, Philadelphia is the ideal place to present the contribution of the Serbian – Tesla people to the building of America, through exhibitions, lectures, documentary projects, educational programs, and public cultural events.
A Call for Cooperation Across the Serbian Community in America
The Tesla Science Foundation (TSF), an organization that has worked for more than two decades to preserve and promote the legacy of Nikola Tesla and the Tesla people, has begun preparations for this historic anniversary and invites all Serbian organizations, institutions, communities, and individuals across the United States to take part.
The goal is shared and clear:
- to present historically verified facts,
- to highlight the contributions of Serbian scientists, university professors, innovators, artists, and athletes,
- to engage younger generations through education,
- and to demonstrate to America and the world the positive and lasting impact of the Serbian people.
This is not the project of one individual or one organization.
It is a joint effort of the Serbian American community, rooted in knowledge, integrity, hard work, and historical truth.
A Message for the Future
By honoring America’s 250th anniversary and presenting the contribution of the Serbian – Tesla people, we are not only celebrating the past — we are building bridges for the future. We are strengthening the visibility and reputation of our community and providing younger generations with knowledge and pride grounded in facts.
Nikola Tesla is not a symbol of division. He is a symbol of humanity, innovation, and the power of knowledge — and also a reminder of how much one community can contribute to the world when given the opportunity.
Nikola Lonchar
President Tesla Science Foundation
Founder and Creator of the Tesla People organization