Bohemian National Hall 125th Anniversary Celebration September 25, 2022
The Bohemian National Hall, an historic building located in the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. 2022 is the 125th anniversary of the historic Bohemian National Hall in Cleveland Ohio. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1975.
Bohemians, Moravians, Silesians and Slovaks had begun coming to Cleveland in 1848. The cornerstone was laid in 1896 as a community hall to accommodate the cultural, social, and educational needs of Czech immigrants in their newly adopted country. Over these many years, the building has been lovingly restored to its glory.
Sokol Cleveland president Paul Burik speaks in the Bohemian Hall ballroom
This was the location of The Cleveland Agreement which was the first formal agreement between Czechs and Slovaks leading to the founding of the sovereign nation of Czechoslovakia. Tomas Masaryk, who became the first president of Czechoslovakia, spoke there several times. In 1915, Bohemian National Hall was the site of the signing of the Cleveland Agreement by Czech American and Slovak American representatives which eventually led to the formation of a joint Czech and Slovak state, which was realized with the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
More than 2500 Czechs and Slovaks jammed into the Bohemian Hall on March 23, 1939 to protest Hitler's army marching into Czechoslovakia.
It continued to be a major force in the local community and was purchased by Sokol Greater Cleveland, part of the national gymnastic organization begun in Prague in 1862. The hall continues to serve new generations with modern amenities. It houses the many activities of Sokol Greater Cleveland and showcases the cultural history and traditions of the Czech and Slovak people in the Cleveland Czech Cultural Center and Museum.
On September 25, 2022 the 125th anniversary of the Bohemian National Hall was celebrated. The event began with a musical presentation with musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra that featured the works of Dvorak and local Slavic Village composers who studied under Dvorak.
Cleveland Orchestra musicians in Bohemian Hall
Following the performance and a social hour, Master of Ceremonies John Sabol began the program. John is an author and host of New Czech Voice of Cleveland.
John Sabol
Marjorie Juba led the singing of the Czech (Kde Domov Muj) and Slovak (Nad Tatrou Sa Blyska) national anthems and then the US anthem.
Marjorie Juba
Then Father Michael Brunovsky O.S.B. of the Slovak Institute gave the invocation.
Father Michael Brunovsky O.S.B.
Watch the video (below) of the opening events.
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John Sabol recognized visitors from other states and several dignitaries in attendance.
Joe Cimperman, Tony Brancatelli, Chris Ronayne, Paul Burik and Czech Cultural Attache Jan Woska
Attache Jan Woska, Paul Burik and Ambassador Miloslav Stasek
MC John Sabol then introduced Miloslav Stasek, Czech Republic Ambassador to the United States who gave his remarks.
Miloslav Stasek, Czech Republic Ambassador to the United States
Then, Global Cleveland president Joe Cimperman gave the keynote address.
Joe Cimperman
Marjorie Juba sang the song, accompanied on piano by Scott Ewing, which was written for the 1897 dedication. It was dedicated to the hard working people who built the Hall.
Scot Ewing
After a sumptuous dinner, Sokol Greater Cleveland president Paul Burik concluded the festivities with some remarks.
Paul Burik
He also gave souvenir Bohemian Hall pins to some key volunteers including the Sokol volunteers who staffed the kitchen, Fr. Mike Brunovsky, MC John Sabol, Joe Cimperman, Dan Hanson, Ambassador Stasek, Cultural Attaché Jan Woska and Paul's wife Fran Burik.
Sokol Kitchen volunteers
Paul Burik pinning wife Fran Burik
It was a grand celebration fitting for such a grand and historic Hall. Congratulations to organizers Paul and Fran Burik and all the volunteers and supporters.
Paul and Fran Burik
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