Friends of
Bohemian National Cemetery
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About Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2004 and is a separate organization from The Bohemian National Cemetery Association which operates the cemetery .
Our Mission:
To promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty, and preserve the
artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery.
Our Vision:
To create an appreciation of the cemetery in local, national and international
audiences.
Friends has regular meetings with educational programs, conducts walking tours of the cemetery, and publishes a quarterly newsletter, Heritage Happenings. Friends also raises funds for the restoration and preservation of Bohemian National Cemetery.
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery welcomes new members, volunteers, and support. Join us by becoming a member, making a donation, or email us about volunteer opportunities at info@friendsofbnc.org .
About the Bohemian National Cemetery
At a mass meeting of the more than 20 Czech benevolent, fraternal, workingman's, gymnastic, and freethinkers societies on January 7th, 1877, Frantisek Zdrubek called on all Chicago societies to come together and create a "free national cemetery, where any Czech could be buried without regard to religion."
April 11, 1877 the Illinois Secretary of State issued the charter
for the Bohemian National Cemetery Association articles of incorporation. According
to this document the purpose of the Association was to provide suitable burial
site for persons of Bohemian birth or extraction.
The cemetery is now open to
people of all ethnicities and religions.
Spanning 126 acres, Bohemian National Cemetery has been called a beautiful Garden of the Dead and is a Chicago landmark and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Rich with both aestheic and genealogical information, the cemetery is the final home for over 116,000 people.
Cemetery grounds 7:30 am to 3:00 pm every day. (Fall and Winter hours)
Cemetery office Mon through Fri 7:30 am to 3 pm.
Cemetery office closed Saturday and Sunday
Hours change seasonally.
Call to verify your visit time.
Gravesites, crypts, and niches available in this national landmark cemetery.
Call 773-539-8442, 708-788-8442 or inquire at the office.
Groups entering the cemetery grounds should please check in at the office.
The website for Bohemian National Cemetery Association is www.bohemiannationalcemeterychicago.org