History of
Sokol Omaha

Initially, Sokol Omaha was a popular gathering place for the Czech community, and the official language spoke was Czech. Therefore, the minutes, documents and records were all written and recorded in Czech. Eventually, the official language changed to English. Activities included raising money for helping other Czech organizations in the community, but were especially geared toward fundraising for building an initial home for Sokol at 13th and Martha Streets. However, the Sokol program grew so quickly that plans were soon made for a larger, more diverse building in 1926-1927, which was known as the Sokol Auditorium. These activities included: gymnastics, dances, dinners, Czech language classes, plays, masquerade balls, coronations, receptions, a Czech library, and the hosting of other Czech organizations and lodges.

Then, in 2020, the COVID pandemic circled the world, and most activities, worldwide, came to a halt. However, the bills still came in and without ways to generate income, the Sokol Auditorium fell victim to the pandemic, like many other businesses and facilities. It soon became evident that Sokol Omaha would need to sell their building.

Ultimately, the Sokol Auditorium would be purchased by new owners who vowed to honor the history of the facility by keeping the bronze plaques in the entryway, even though they would need to change the name of this building because it was no longer a Sokol-owned facility.

Now, without the monthly expenses, Sokol Omaha could still rent the facility for various functions, like the Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame, and use the proceeds from the sale of the Sokol Auditorium to promote and/or financially support a variety of activities that would fit with their new Vision and Mission Statements. The goal for Sokol Omaha is to keep a large enough balance in their investments that it will allow them to provide funding for a number of activities and for other organizations as they look forward to celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2027.