EIU Booth Library

‘The Hungarian Revolution at 65: An Exhibit’ now on display

Posted on October 5th, 2021

Sixty-five years ago, thousands of determined Hungarians — mostly young people — swarmed into the streets of Budapest to demand change. A brutal, corrupt communist government dominated their country since the end of World War II, and they had enough.

Eventually, hundreds of thousands participated. October 1956 heralded both great hopes and great dangers. In the end, Soviet troops poured into Hungary and drove all resistance into the ground.

“The Hungarian Revolution at 65: An Exhibit” at Booth Library showcases real artifacts from the revolt and honors the brave civilians who risked everything. Some of the protesters retreated into exile, some even coming to central Illinois. Among them was Dr. Bela Szigethy, who later settled and practiced medicine in Oblong, Illinois, and for whom this exhibit is dedicated.

The exhibit runs through November on the 3000 level of Booth Library. The public is invited to the exhibit opening at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Marvin Foyer of Booth Library.

For more information contact: Edmund Wehrle at efwehrle@eiu.edu.