On February 20, 2026, scholars, diplomats, and civic leaders gathered at the Karcag Kincse Művészeti és Konferencia Központ for the international conference “Két nemzet, egy eszme — A szabadság közös története, 1776–2026” (“Two Nations, One Idea — The Shared History of Freedom”), commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and highlighting the deep historical ties between Hungary and America.
The conference was organized by the Kovats Mihály Baráti Társaság in cooperation with Debreceni Egyetem Történelmi Intézet (University of Debrecen, Historical Institute), Karcag Városi Önkormányzat (Municipality of Karcag), the Hungary Foundation and the Kossuth Foundation. The collaboration reflected a broad academic, civic, and transatlantic commitment to preserving and promoting Hungarian-American historical ties celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Opening & Greetings
The conference opened with formal welcomes setting a tone of transatlantic friendship and historical reflection. Greetings were delivered by:
- Jeffrey Adler, Counselor for Public Affairs from the U.S. Embassy in Budapest
- Dr. Sándor Fazekas, VicePresident of the Hungarian National Assembly
- Sándor F. Kovács, Member of Parliament for the region
Their remarks underscored the enduring diplomatic, cultural, and military bonds linking the two nations.
Academic Presentations
Chaired by Dr. Róbert Barta (University of Debrecen, Historical Institute), the program featured leading historians examining pivotal moments in Hungarian-American relations:
- Prof. Dr. Tamás Magyarics explored Cold War dynamics and the normalization of Hungarian-American relations after 1956, offering insight into diplomacy during ideological conflict.
- Prof. Dr. Csaba Lévai examined early diplomatic efforts between the United States and the Habsburg Empire, focusing on William Lee’s 1778 mission to Vienna.
- Dr. Ferenc Kaiser discussed the Continental Navy’s origins, tracing how a fleet was built “from nothing” during the American War of Independence.
Cultural & Historical Memory
After a midday intermission, the program shifted toward symbolic and cultural legacies:
- Dr. László Őrlős presented on the first Hungarian flag associated with America, recounting the forgotten story of the Pulaski Legion’s banner.
- Dr. Tibor Glant delivered a lecture on the Holy Crown of Hungary and its American connections, expanding the discussion to shared political symbolism.
- Dr. Zoltán Pintér closed the scholarly sessions by outlining the work of the Kovats Mihály Memorial Committee and its efforts to cultivate a transatlantic hussar remembrance tradition.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the a preview screening of an animated video series commissioned by the Hungary Foundation on Colonel Michael Kovats the Hungarian hussar officer who gave his life in the American War of Independence and is remembered as a founding figure of U.S. cavalry traditions.
Blending diplomacy, scholarship, and cultural commemoration, the conference reinforced a central message: Hungarian and American histories are linked by a shared commitment to liberty. Through the cooperation of academic institutions, civic bodies, and international foundations, the event stood as a fitting tribute to 250 years of shared ideals and historical partnership.
