On the occasion of Bernard M. Luketich’s 25th Anniversary as CFU National President, celebrated in 2003, and his outstanding contributions to the Croatian Fraternal Union and to the preservation of Croatian culture and heritage, the CFU Museum was dedicated in his honor. Designation of the Bernard M. Luketich Croatian Cultural Museum is in recognition of his founding influence in the organization of the CFU Junior Cultural Federation, the CFU Adult TamFEST, the annual CFU Ski Festival, the CFU Scholarship Foundation, Inc., the CFU Humanitarian Aid Fund, CFU affiliation with the DORA orphaned children’s foundation of Croatia and the National Federation of Croatian Americans as well as in tribute to his years of service to the Society.
The Bernard M. Luketich Croatian Cultural Museum maintains one of the most unique collections of authentic Croatian folklore costumes (hrvatskih narodnih nošnji); Croatian naïve art (oil paintings on the reverse of glass by recognized masters such as Lacković, Generalić, Fišter and Cugovčan); water colors by the renowned Mladen Veža; and, an array of tamburitza instruments. Also included in the museum is a large collection of memorabilia from the Society’s past which documents the National Administration’s activities and history over the years, the activities of its many lodges, the existence of the former CFU Children’s Home, an orphanage run by the Society, and the many tamburitza combos and ensembles which have been affiliated with the Society over its storied past.
To arrange for a guided tour or to make a donation of an artifact or historical item to the Bernard M. Luketich Cultural Museum, please contact the Home Office at 412.843.0380.
