Chicagoans of Czech herritage celebrate Centenial
Chicagoans of Czechs Heritage are Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Founding of Czechoslovakia
The centennial is celebrated with a series of events taking place in the Chicago area. The events organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago focus on celebrating the strong connection the city of Chicago has had since the founding of the country of Czechoslovakia - now known as the Czech Republic.
The founding father and the first president of Czechoslovakia, Thomas G. Masaryk was a professor at University of Chicago and a friend of Woodrow Wilson. Czech immigrants have greatly contributed to development of Chicago on many levels. Czechs have had a strong presence in Chicago and Illinois politics including Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, former Illinois Governor Otto Kerner, former Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar-Topinka and numerous other public servants. Czechs have also been instrumental with their contributions to Chicago's arts, architecture, education, theater film, and the business world.
The 1918-2018 centennial celebration brings to focus the contribution of these Americans of Czech heritage and the continual friendship between Chicago and the Czech Republic.
The celebration kicks off with Czech Centennial Gala at the Union League Club of Chicago,
Friday, September 28, 2018, 6 pm
Speakers: First Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Jan Hamá Governor of Illinois, The Honorable Bruce Rauner
Music: Grammy-winning Czech-American Rock Star Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Pride of Lions & Survivor, co-author of Eye of the Tiger) with the greatest Czech Rock Star Petr Janda, followed by The Swings to present the sounds of the First Czechoslovak Republic (1920s and 30s)
Czech Centennial Medals Ceremony - To honor individuals, families and institutions for their contributions to the strengthening of Czech-American relations, including 43rd Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley, actress Anna Chlumsky (My Girl, Veep), Anton Cermak Kerner (Grandson of Anton Cermak, Mayor of Chicago, Son of Otto Kerner, Jr., Governor of Illinois & Grandson of Otto Kerner, Sr., Illinois Attorney General), University of Chicago, Fermilab, Mayo Clinic, etc.
Art: Carving Destiny Exhibition of three renowned artists and Czech patriots with a Chicago connection: co-founder of Art Nouveau Alphonse Mucha; head of the Sculpture Department of the Art Institute of Chicago, Albín Polášek; Master of Graphic Design and author of recruitment posters for Czech and Slovak American volunteers in WWI Vojtěch Preissig.
Cuisine: Special Czech Menu prepared by members of the Czech National Culinary Team
Contacts:
Mr. Borek Lizec, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Chicago, borek_lizec@mzv.cz
Ms. Jana Šáchová, Assistant to the Consul General, jana_sachova@mzv.cz, cell: +1 312 404 9804
Ms. Mary Mares Awe, marymarestv@gmail.com, cell: +1 630-656-0648,
More Information & Program: www.czechcentennilchicago.cz