Held in the context of commemorating the 250th anniversary of the declaration of American independence, an event at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the United States featured a lecture titled “Rubin H. Markham – A Friend of Humanity”
24 March 2026 News
On March 19, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Washington hosted a joint lecture by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov, Fulbright Visiting Scholar at George Washington University, and Dr. Stuart Van Dyke, grandson of Reuben H. Markham. The event was held under the motto “Rubin Markham – A Friend of Humanity.”
In her welcoming remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy, Ms. Stefka Yovcheva, noted that Markham - who spent a significant part of his life in Bulgaria, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s - played an important role in introducing American audiences to Bulgaria, its history, culture, and place in a rapidly changing world. Today, as we mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it is important to remember that Markham’s story embodies the strength of the people-to-people ties that have helped foster understanding and friendship between our two nations.
Assoc. Prof. Ivan Hristov and Dr. Stuart Van Dyke traced Markham’s life and career, with a focus on his time in Bulgaria - first as a missionary in Samokov and later as a journalist and correspondent of Christian Science Monitor. They highlighted his role in covering the political and historical developments in Bulgaria and the Balkan region. Markham remained a great friend of Bulgaria until his death in 1949.
Rubin Markham was an American journalist who lived and worked in Bulgaria in the early 20th century. Through his work, he documented the country’s political and public life, explored its history and culture, and helped present Bulgaria to American audiences. He is the author of several books, some of which are dedicated to Bulgaria, including "Bulgaria today and tomorrow", 1926; "Meet Bulgaria", 1931.
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