The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York hosted the first-ever celebration of Nikola Tesla’s birthday on July 10th
To mark the birthday of one of humanity’s greatest visionaries and inventors — the Serbian genius Nikola Tesla — the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, led by Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović, organized a gala reception at Tesla’s legendary Wardenclyffe home in Shoreham, Long Island, New York.
This exclusive event gathered a carefully selected circle of distinguished guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Serbian diaspora, the Serbian Orthodox Church, academia, the arts, as well as prominent cultural and public figures from New York City.
The reception was conceptualized and realized in close collaboration with the hosts: Barbara Daddino, author of a book on Tesla and one of the most devoted guardians of his legacy, and her partner, honorary US Marshal Daniel Byrne, who also supported the organization with sincere enthusiasm and warmth. Barbara’s inspiring dedication to preserving and promoting Tesla’s vision added a special spirit to the evening, reminding all present of the universal values Tesla embodied — humanism, science, and the unification of cultures.
Alongside Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović, who served as the host and initiator of this celebration — held for the first time in history at Tesla’s Shoreham home since his residence there — heartfelt addresses were delivered by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America (Washington–New York), as well as Barbara Daddino. Each shared deeply inspiring messages of love and personal reflections on Tesla. Bishop Irinej emphasized the spiritual dimension of Tesla’s mission and his ability to bridge the visible and invisible worlds through his work, while Barbara Daddino shared touching stories about her personal relationship with Tesla’s legacy and the importance of his scientific and cultural heritage today.
In his deeply thoughtful and inspiring speech, Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović highlighted that “Tesla is not merely a scientific genius and a symbol of scientific greatness, but an eternal visionary who connects people and nations, inspiring generations to believe in the power of knowledge, justice, and humanity. His life is a perpetual call for unity, peace, and creation for the benefit of all humankind.” Božović especially emphasized that Tesla, one of the brightest symbols of the Serbian people worldwide, still lives among us today — in our hearts, ideas, values, and every step forward — and that this is precisely why he truly is and remains an inexhaustible inspiration, an eternal ambassador, and a beacon of Serbia to the world.
The event unfolded in a ceremonial yet intimate atmosphere, beginning with the Serbian national anthem and a brief memorial service for Nikola Tesla in both Serbian and English. It continued with a rich cultural and artistic program evoking the spirit of Serbia and its people. Guests enjoyed specially guided tours through Tesla’s home, discovering historical details about his revolutionary ideas and vision, as well as viewing original photographs and documents preserved from his time there.
The evening was complemented by tastings of premium Serbian wines, traditional culinary specialties, and music that artistically bridged the past and the present. Finally, a symbolic birthday cake prepared according to Tesla’s original recipe, accompanied by a magical view of the ocean from his house, crowned the event.
With this gesture, the idea and concept of this unique celebration were fully completed and justified — a tradition that, according to the agreement between the Consulate General and the hosts, will continue in the future.
This gala celebration once again confirmed that Nikola Tesla remains an inexhaustible inspiration, an eternal ambassador of Serbia to the world, and a symbol of light and hope for generations to come.