Croatian American Cultural Center

Summary: The Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society was founded in San Francisco in 1857 by Croatian immigrants, primarily from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Until 1975 the Society was based on fraternal membership, a type of organization with a long tradition among Croatians from Slavonia, Dalmatia, Istria, Croatia Proper, Hercegovina and Bosnia. In 1979 the dream of a physical home was realized, and the Croatian American Cultural Center on Alemany Street opened its doors, as a center to share the rich cultural heritage Croatia. The scope of programs broadened and the Center has become an important gathering place for enthusiasts of Croatia and other Slavic music and dance, and recent immigrants as well as long time members. Croatian American Cultural Center opened its doors on March 24, 1979 on the corner of Alemany and Onondaga Avenues in San Francisco. The Center has become a focal point for the many cultural events and activities through the years.