Slovenian Museum And Archives Officially Opens Its New Space

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Slovenian Museum and Archives (SMA) celebrated its grand opening with a private reception on Thursday, July 30. The event was attended by SMA members as well as Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, State Representative Kenny Yuko, and the Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Zvone Žigon.

The SMA attractive new gallery and offices are located in the St. Clair-Superior District, historically the hub of Slovenian culture in Cleveland. The Slovenian Geneaology Society International, Inc. has partnered with the SMA and has opened its headquarters within the SMA. The presence of the new SMA in the area is one step in revitalizing this Cleveland neighborhood.

The evening’s program was led by SMA President Robert Hopkins. Father John Kumše, pastor of St. Mary’s Slovenian Parish in Collinwood gave a blessing. Olga Merela, Co-Vice President of Programming, who is also General Manager of The Bonfoey Gallery, introduced the feature exhibit titled A River’s Gifts, by internationally renowned Slovenian photographer, film-maker and caver, Arne Hodalič. In 2007, A River’s Gifts was published in National Geographic Magazine.

Linda Silakoski, Co-Vice-President of Programming, who is also an immigration attorney, talked about the importance of preserving a culture and ethnicity that is no longer emigrating to the United States. Since 1991, Slovenia has become one of the most prosperous countries in the European Union. As a result, there is no longer an infusion of new Slovenian culture in our society. It is up to Slovenians in Cleveland to preserve and protect the heritage and culture that they have. This is why the Slovenian Museum and Archives is so very important - it is the center for the preservation of Slovenian culture and the immigrant experience.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the naming of the SMA Welcome Center for the Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Zvone Žigon. Dr. Žigon, whose diplomatic term in Cleveland comes to an end later this month, was an inspirational contributor in establishing the SMA. Special thanks were also paid to the Republic of Slovenia, Raymond Novak of the Richman Brothers Foundation, the City of Cleveland, and Robert and Geraldine Hopkins for their generous donations to the SMA.

The SMA opened to the public on August 6, when the resounding documentary photographs of Arne Hodalič will be displayed through October 31. The exhibit is free.

Gallery hours: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and Thursday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

For more information, contact the Slovenian Museum and Archives by phone at 216.361.5600, or by emai staff@smacleveland.org. Visit the SMA Web site: www.smacleveland.org. 6407 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103.

Photos by Phil Hrvatin

Photos by Karen Novak

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• Opening remarks by Bob Hopkins