Nebraska Czechs of
Lincoln
Club History
The Nebraska
Czechs of Lincoln was organized and officers elected on April 25, 1973.
Founders were Jake Hamsa, the Chapter’s first President, and Vladimir
Kucera from Brno, Moravia, who was teaching the Czech language at the
University of Nebraska and in surrounding Czech communities.
The Club was incorporated as a non-profit organization
on April 24, 1977. It is one of eleven chapters that make up the Nebraska
Czechs, Inc.
As stated in the Articles of incorporation, the
purposes of the organization are "to develop and encourage interest, research
and inquiry into the culture, traditions and history of the Czechoslovakian
people and of Czechoslovakian immigrants to America and their descendants…..to
attract public attention to the customs, culture and heritage of the
Czechoslovakian people."
The initial meetings of the Club provided speakers,
musical entertainment, movies, presentations on Czech-related subjects, playing
bingo, etc. followed by music and dancing. The festival was, and continues to
be, an annual event. The indoor Spring Festival includes polka music, dancing, accordion jamboree, ethnic food,
Czech-related demonstrations and displays, bake sales, sales of jewelry and
crystal from the Czech and Slovak Republics and much more. Crowning of the
Chapter Queen, Princess, and Prince also takes place at this time.
Past activities included fund raisers at the State Fair
with bake sales (especially kolace), pork, duck and dumpling dinners and polka
fests. The Club sponsored Polkathons for the Easter Seal Society in the years
1979, 1980 and 1981. At one time a youth singing group called "Proud Czechs"
existed, but because of school and other commitments, the group became
inactive. Members, dressed in Czech costume (Kroj), appeared on the local
Public Television Station to take calls for the video POLKA PASSION fund raiser
in 2002.
Lincoln Choraliers
The Capital
City Czech Choraliers, an adult Czech-singing group, organized in
April 1977 under the umbrella of the Lincoln Chapter, although participation is
not limited to Chapter members. The Choraliers number 20 when in full force,
and are accompanied by a button accordion. a piano accordion and drums. They
strive to preserve a bit of the Czech heritage and culture by performing for the
public. They have traveled to Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin, as well as all across the state of Nebraska, to
perform at festivals and civic celebrations. Polka Masses have also been
performed by this group. In addition, the Choraliers entertain in care
centers and
retirement homes, schools, senior centers and service clubs throughout Lincoln
and surrounding communities. This dedicated group of singers do not charge for
their performances and all expenses for their travels are paid by the members or
through donations. They have made several recordings.
The Chapter cooperates with local Czech groups, one of
which is the Komensky Club at the University of Nebraska. Our group hosted the
Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International 1999 Genealogical/Cultural
Conference. Also our group assisted the SVU (Czechoslovak Society of Arts and
Sciences) 2001 North American Conference in our
city.
The Lincoln Chapter endorses and contributes to the
Czech Language Foundation that continues maintenance of the Czech language at
the University of Nebraska by providing funds for teachers’ salaries and books
for students.
