For immediate release                                                                           Contact: John Hoffman

April 27, 2006                                                                                       312-814-2997

 

Pictured from left to right: William Sieger, Asst. Professor of Arts at Northeastern Illinois University, Philip G. Roux, Superintendent, Bohemian National Cemetery Association, Topinka presenting plaque, Alderman Margaret Laurino, Chuck Hagopian, Treasurer’s Office and  Angie Bultas, Treasurer, Bohemian National Cemetery Association. Photo by: Teresa J. Potasiak

Topinka Honors Bohemian National Cemetery’s

Designation as National Landmark

 

Chicago, IL – Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka celebrated Bohemian National Cemetery’s recent designation on the National Register of Historic Places during a plaque presentation today. 

 

Since May of 2002 Topinka has been collaborating with the Board of Directors of Bohemian National Cemetery, Alderman Margaret Laurino (39^th Ward/City of Chicago) and Northeastern Illinois University to begin the necessary steps to achieve landmark status.  Last month during a meeting of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Council, Topinka testified to the importance of the cemetery and it’s landmark status under the National Historic Preservation Act.   Bohemian is only the third Chicago cemetery to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

“Bohemian National Cemetery is a historic treasure that will now be preserved for years to come,” said Topinka.  “I’m thrilled that we are honoring the history and culture of this cemetery for future generations to embrace and to study.”

 

Bohemian National Cemetery is recognized for its variety of styles of architectural brilliance. The main gatehouse, built in 1893, and added to in 1907, is a Late Gothic Revival. Dedicated in 1919, the Renaissance Revival crematorium, including a columbarium and chapel on upper levels, is reminiscent of a traditional basilica plan. The Classical Revival Administration Building was dedicated in 1926.  Bohemian National cemetery allows scholars, students, and history buffs to study the history behind Mayor Anton Cermak of Chicago and his death which historians believe was in protection of President-elect Franklin Roosevelt.  

 

“For myself and the rest of Illinois’ Czech community, Bohemian National Cemetery is a place to honor our culture and life as much as it is to grieve.” said Topinka.

 

Joining Topinka at the ceremony were Alderman Margaret Laurino, (39^th Ward); Phil Roux, Superintendent of Bohemian National Cemetery;  Angie Bultas, Treasurer of Bohemian National Cemetery; Salme Harju Steinberg, Ph. D., President of Northeastern Illinois University; and William B. Sieger, Ph.D. of Northeastern Illinois University.

 

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