As part of the centennial celebration of the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington, a special exhibition will explore the Croatian roots of the man after whom one of the most renowned university libraries in the United States was named.
The exhibition, titled “Behind the Name of the Library: Henry Suzzallo and His Croatian Roots,” is curated by our colleague from Aspira University of Applied Sciences, Branka Bezić Filipović.
The exhibition will open on October 13, 2026, and will present the life and legacy of Henry Suzzallo, as well as his connection to Croatia, through archival materials and other historical sources.
Henry Suzzallo was a prominent American educator and president of the University of Washington. The monumental library named after him has since become one of the university’s most recognizable landmarks. The centennial of its founding provides an opportunity to revisit and present the story behind the name of the library, including Suzzallo’s Croatian heritage.
Particular emphasis is placed on exploring Suzzallo’s family and Croatian connections, linking the history of an American university with the heritage of Croatian immigrants.
For the Croatian public, it is especially noteworthy that Branka Bezić Filipović has taken on the curatorial role in this project. Her work focuses on researching and preserving Croatian immigrant heritage, and through this exhibition, the Croatian story will have a place at one of the most important academic institutions in the United States.
A distinctive Croatian touch to the opening will also be provided by the participation of Croatian guests, along with a program featuring traditional Croatian music and folk dancing.
More information about the program marking the centennial of Suzzallo Library is available on its official website.