Our History
The culmination of 123 years of Hungarian existence formed the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio (HCC of NEO). The united ideals of the St. Stephen’s club and the Geauga Magyar Cultural Society caused a joining of forces to promote, nurture and maintain their Magyar heritage.
St. Stephens’ was formed in 1904 and proudly established the choir and dramatic groups that performed untold numbers of concerts and plays for the Hungarian community of Buckeye Road to enjoy. They also supported an active soccer team, winning many trophies. As communities changed, so did the interest in the organization. Re-vitalized by Jozsef Gulyas in the 1990’s, the club began to reorganize and, under the leadership of John Nemeth, joined forces with the “Geauga Magyar” in 2001.
The Geauga Magyar Cultural Center was founded in 1975 by Ann Poto McBride. Displaced from her beloved Buckeye Road Hungarian Community, she noticed many Hungarian names in the phone book and on the mailboxes in Geauga County where she resided. Her desire to surround herself with her heritage helped her form the “Geauga Magyar’. Ann also hosted a Sunday morning Hungarian radio program on WBKC.
Our Growth
The club began to grow, conducting Hungarian language classes at West Geauga High School taught by Repas Mihály and sponsored a dance group of children and adults that performed at many local festivals in northeastern Oho. It became evident that the need for a permanent home could no longer be ignored and in 1984, the Geauga Magyar purchased 40 acres on Abbott Road in Hiram Ohio. The membership roster grew from the original 30 to over 400 members from as far away as Florida, California, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Canada and a multitude of communities in Ohio. We can today continue to boast of a 300-member organization.
Since the recommitment of both organizations in 2001 the HCC of NEO has worked at enhancing the club grounds with many up-grades, cognizant of our responsibility to maintain the integrity and beauty of our 40 acres for the future. The build of a Székely Kapu or Welcoming Gate in 2006 was a huge undertaking. Successfully, we brought a “Master Wood Carver” from Geges, Romania or Erdély, who lived with us for six months and hand-carved our beautiful reminder of the old country. Click here to view picture of the gate.
We have sponsored many trips through our membership, Arpadhon, Louisiana, Ellis Island (NY), Hungary, William Penn picnics (PA), Washington DC, and in 2008, a trip to Hungary, always incorporating a Hungarian theme to our trips.
We publish a monthly newsletter, “The Hirek”, maintain this website, work with and support all Hungarian organizations and radio programming in existence in northeastern Ohio.
We have undergone a fund-raising campaign to expand our club house and kitchen, and to add handicap-accessible rest rooms.
Our Affiliations
We are also affiliated with the American Hungarian Coalition out of Washington DC, the Cleveland Heritage Society, the Cleveland Hungarian Gardens, the Chagrin Film Festival and the United Hungarian Societies of Cleveland.
Donating to Our Organization
We are a 501(c)3, not for profit organization, therefore donations to HCC of NEO may be tax deductible. Please visit our Donations page for more information about donating to our organization.