The Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion
of polka music. The Polka Hall of Fame & Museum is located in the Shore Cultural
Center in Euclid, Ohio, USA. The American Slovenian Polka Foundation, which operates
the Museum, was founded in 1987. A volunteer board of trustees is elected by the
present 1600 members. The trustees represent all segments of polka music, including
musicians, promoters, cultural societies, disc jockeys, and button accordion players.
During Thanksgiving weekend, the Polka Hall of Fame produces an annual Awards Show.
Members vote for the Trustees Honor Roll, as well the annual Lifetime Achievement
recipients. The Honorees receive a Crystal Award Trophy. The Lifetime Achievement
Award is the highest honor presented and includes enshrinement in the Polka Hall
of Fame.
The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame Museum is filled with artifacts and
memoribilia from polka stars of yesterday and today. Some of the highlights include
America's Polka King, Frank Yankovic's accordion and stage outfits, Johnny Pecon's
accordion and Cleveland's Polka King, Johnny Vadnal's accordion along with many other
items. Within these walls you will also find memoribilia dating back to the turn
of the century as well as information on those who have been inducted into the Hall
of Fame. Within these walls, you can trace the development of the Cleveland-style
polka beginning in 1900, through each decade to the present. There is a special place
dedicated to Lifetime Achievement Honorees, the Trustees Honor Roll and the Greatest
All-Time Hits. The museum has also established an archive library and video collection
of polka history.
