A Note from The Consul General of Slovenia in Cleveland Regarding the Western Reserve Historical Society’s International Heritage Gallery
Suzana Češarek, Consul General of Slovenia in Cleveland
Dear Members of the Slovenian Community in Cleveland,
I would like to share several updates regarding the Western Reserve Historical Society’s (WRHS) new permanent gallery dedicated to the history and culture of immigrants and ethnic groups in Northeast Ohio, that have shaped Cleveland’s history and identity.
On June 16, 2026, I attended a meeting where WRHS presented progress on this important initiative and outlined opportunities for our community – as well as many others – to become even more visible and engaged in Cleveland’s rich multicultural landscape.
The International Heritage Gallery will celebrate the many ethnic communities that have shaped Cleveland’s history and identity. The exhibition is scheduled to open on 19 November 2026 with a three-day celebration, including performances by young people on 20 and 21 November. According to the organizers, more than 120 ethnic communities are represented in the Greater Cleveland area.
The organizers are currently collecting materials that tell the stories of Cleveland’s ethnic communities. They are looking for:
- Historical photographs and videos;
- Family recipes and cookbooks;
- Traditional costumes and cultural items;
- Objects, documents, and memorabilia that reflect our Slovenian heritage.
Items may be contributed either as a donation or as a loan for exhibition purposes. Digital materials, including photographs and recipes, are also welcome. Part of the exhibition will be permanent, while other sections will rotate periodically to highlight different themes and stories.
Among the topics to be featured are music, costumes, food, sports, community events, and traditional skills. I am pleased to share that Frankie Yankovic has already been included in the music section, and Kurentovanje is already represented in the photo collection.
This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich traditions of the Slovenian community in Cleveland and to ensure that our contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated.
More information about the project can be found here: https://www.wrhs.org/do-see/exhibitions/international-heritage-gallery
Submission guidelines and contacts: https://www.wrhs.org/do-see/exhibitions/international-heritage-gallery/collecting-initiative. The organizers would appreciate hearing from interested community members within the next six weeks.
The project is still accepting financial support. A commitment of 5,000 USD, which may be paid in installments, would place the Slovenian community among the members of the Founders Circle. This opportunity remains open until September 2026.
In addition, Dan Hanson of https://www.clevelandpeople.com/ gave a brief presentation on this year’s One World Day, which will take place on 30 August 2026 and celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. America250-Ohio Commission has dedicated funding to support this year’s event.
The event is expected to receive national media attention and will include the traditional Parade of Flags and participation of delegates in national costumes. Organizers hope to see large groups representing various communities in national costumes and are also planning an aerial photograph featuring participants standing on a map of the USA to illustrate its rich ethnic heritage.
I have every confidence that the Slovenian community’s participation will be as impressive as always, ensuring that our heritage continues to be represented and celebrated.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia remains committed to supporting and promoting Slovenian heritage in Cleveland and looks forward to working together with you on these important initiatives.
I warmly encourage all members of our community to participate, contribute materials, and help tell the Slovenian story for future generations.
Thank you for your continued dedication to preserving and promoting our shared heritage.
This information was also shared through our social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BD5HbpuLJ/ and https://www.instagram.com/slovenianconsulatecleveland/p/DZsXGySx2xV/.
