Marking the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla

On the occasion of the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s birth, we present documents that testify to his ingenuity, modesty, and dedication to humanitarian work.

This significant anniversary provides an opportunity to recall how Tesla’s birthday was celebrated in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and how he accepted the honours bestowed upon him. A special place belongs to the celebration of his 80th birthday in 1936, which was marked by a series of commemorative events organized by the Committee for the Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s Birth. On that occasion, Tesla was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, First Class, and the Society for the Establishment of the Nikola Tesla Institute was founded. Yugoslav students in Paris organized a ceremonial academy presided over by the Rector of the University, Professor Georges Darmois, during which Tesla’s experiments were demonstrated.

Since, at the proposal of diplomat Konstantin Fotić, Nikola Tesla was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, First Class, in 1936 for his contributions to science and to the nation, it is worth mentioning the other decorations he received during his lifetime: the Order of St. Sava, First Class (1926); the Order of the Yugoslav Crown, First Class (1931); and the Order of the White Lion (1937), conferred upon him by the President of the Czechoslovak Republic, Edvard Beneš. Among the other distinctions he received, we should also highlight the honorary Doctor of Science degree awarded to him by the University of Paris in 1937.

Prepared by: Vidosava Eraković, Senior Archivist, and Đurđija Borovnjak, Senior Archivist.