Welcome to Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association (BBLA)
PRESERVING CZECH AND SLOVAK CULTURE IN NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1891
PRESERVING CZECH AND SLOVAK CULTURE IN NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1891
BBLA member organizations host some of the best events in the city—concerts, festivals, lectures, and film screenings—at Manhattan’s Bohemian National Hall.
Professor Vlado Simko was the president of the Czech and Slovak Solidarity Council and BBLA trustee. He passed away in Bratislava on April 21, 2026. He shall be greatly missed by many.
One of the most innovative and successful independent hoteliers in New York, Henry Kallan, is also a remarkably generous member of our Czech and Slovak community, supporting gifted students and mentoring many compatriots in the hospitality industry.
Martina Navratilova has become an icon not only for her athletic prowess but also for her advocacy and outspoken stance on issues of equality and human rights. Her life story is a testament to the power of determination, courage and the pursuit of excellence.
We’re pleased to announce the acquisition of a Steinway grand piano. The tradition of the Steinway piano within the Czech community reaches back to the New York residency of composer Antonin Dvorak, who was among the earliest “Steinway artists.”