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.
Chicago Tribune profiles Friends President Marge Stueckemann
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 about 125 acres, Bohemian National Cemetery has been called a beautiful Garden of the Dead , 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 resting place for nearly 120,000 people.
Hours change seasonally.
Call 773-539-8442 to verify visiting hours.
Starting the first of May, the cemetery grounds will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days a week. Office hours will be 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, closed Sunday
BNC also reminds visitors that "During inclement weather we may deem it necessary to close the office/cemetery. Please call the office to check, as the safety of our customers and employees is of primary concern."
Gravesites, crypts, and niches are available in this National Register cemetery. Call 773-539-8442 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