A brief history of our organization…
The Moravian Cultural Society (MCS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Czech and Moravian folklore. Moravia is a culturally distinct region of the Czech Republic.
Founded in 1965, the organization is based in Chicago’s western suburbs.
Its Folk Dancers, wearing their traditional folk costumes, represent the society by performing a wide variety of dances to the music of the Czech and Moravian people.
It participates in many annual and special events and various festivals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest, as well as other parts of the United States.
Our multi-generational membership has represented the Czech Americans during several Presidential visits to the Chicago area as well as welcoming dignitaries from the Czech Republic to the United States.
Our Folk Dancers…
MCS achieved many highlights in its history. Its dancers have performed throughout the Midwest and around the United States.
Comprised of mostly first and second generation Czech Americans, the MCS adult dance group continues to perform at various cultural events in the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest. Our well-recognized group has performed for audiences at Walt Disney World and also in New York City and Washington DC.
The dancers have had the opportunity to perform for several U.S. presidents and former Czech Presidents Havel and Klaus.
Closer to home, they participate annually in such events as Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry and the Winter Wonder Fest at Navy Pier.
Our society also encourages the younger generation’s participation through its children’s’ dance group.
They continue to look for new opportunities to share our heritage!
Our Affiliations / Activities…
MCS is a member of the following organizations:
- Czechoslovak American Congress
- Czech and Slovak American Genealogical Society of Illinois
- Czechoslovak Heritage Museum
MCS sponsors performers from the Czech Republic for U.S. appearances.
MCS regularly presents seminars to community and children’s groups and hosts various cultural events.
MCS visits the Bohemian Home for the Aged at Tabor Hills to let the residents know that they and their heritage will not be forgotten.
MCS represents the Czech Republic at The Museum and Science and Industry in Chicago each holiday season as part of Christmas Around the World.
MCS presents a Czech Holiday Faire where its dance groups along with guest performers are featured. Guests are able to sample some wonderful Czech cuisine and enjoy traditional music and folk arts.