Cedar Rapids Sokol exhibit celebrates Czech traditions

CEDAR RAPIDS - Jeanne Vogt never met her grandfather, but when she watches her grandchildren doing gymnastics, she feels connected to him.

Six generations of her family have participated in Sokol, a Czech organization centered on physical fitness and social engagement. An exhibit opening June 3 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in honors that organization and its traditions, which have deep roots in Cedar Rapids, where a Sokol club still is active today.

”Twists and Turns: The Story of Sokol” will be on display through Dec. 31 and features posters, uniforms, exercise equipment, trophies, pennants and more related to Sokol. The exhibit will coincide with the National Slet, a gathering of Sokol groups from around the country that comes to Cedar Rapids June 22-25.

Sokol, which means falcon, was founded in 1862 in Prague by Miroslav Tyrs and Jindrich Fugner, who believed a nation must be physically fit, moral and intelligent to secure and retain independence.

Members participated in gymnastics and other athletic training, as well as participating in cultural activities. Sokol helped build Czech pride and promote Czech culture even as the region that would later become Czechoslovakia was under the control of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

'The story of Sokol is an important piece of Czech and Slovak history,” said Stefanie Kohn, curator at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW.

When Czech and Slovak immigrants began settling in the United States, they brought Sokol with them. The first American Sokol unit was founded in 1865 in St. Louis, with clubs following soon after in several cities, including Cedar Rapids.

'Sokol halls in the U.S. often had social activities, English lessons, plays, gatherings,” Kohn said. 'The Sokol hall was the center of a lot of people's lives, both in the United States and back in Czechoslovakia.”

That was true for Vogt's family, which lent photographs and a medicine ball used by her grandfather to the exhibit.

'It's because of Sokol I'm even here,” she said.

Her grandfather Boleslov Hasek was traveling to Prague to participate in a Slet, and he met her grandmother Mary Siska on the boat, as she was traveling to visit relatives. After returning to the United States, she to St. Louis and he to Cedar Rapids, they wrote each other postcards, and their relationship grew from there.

'I never knew my grandfather, but at least I can throw his medicine ball and think of him,” she said. 'It's just a touchstone to our past.”

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults; $9 for those age 65 and older; $5 for veterans, members of the military and students age 14 and older; $3 for children ages 6-13; and free for kids age 5 and younger.

IF YOU GO

What: 'Twists and Turns: The Story of Sokol” exhibit

When: June 3 to Dec. 31

Where: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids

Details: ncsml.org

What: Exhibit opening dinner

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 2

Details: Join the museum for a traditional Czech meal, learn about the history of Sokol and hear stories about artifacts from the exhibit.

Tickets: $25 for members, $35 for others; must purchase tickets by Friday (5/26).

What: Movin' at the Museum: yoga for kids

When: 1 and 2 p.m. June 3

Details: Inspired by Sokol, storytelling meets yoga as children create poses in this interactive class. Ages 2 to 5 will participate at 1 p.m., with ages 6 to 12 at 2 p.m. Event is free; registration is requested, (319) 362-8500.

What: Falcons, Freedom and Back flips: guided exhibit tour

When: 1 to 2 p.m. June 24

Details: Included with admission to museum; registration is requested, (319) 362-8500.

l Comments: (319) 398-8434; alison.gowans@thegazette.com