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Center for Bosnian Studies

The Center for Bosnian Studies is a historical and cultural preservation initiative at Saint Louis University committed to establishing an enduring record of the experiences of Bosnian genocide survivors and their families. It is especially focused on those living in metropolitan St. Louis, which is currently the largest Bosnian population outside Bosnia, estimated at 60,000.

Founded in 2006 at Fontbonne University as the Bosnia Memory Project, the center was later renamed the Center for Bosnian Studies to reflect its expanding role as a leading source of knowledge and resources on Bosnia and its diaspora. The center moved to Saint Louis University in 2025 and continues to preserve stories and artifacts from the Bosnian war and genocide, through an oral history project, special collections of rare books and archival materials, and a growing digital collection of unique resources. The Center for Bosnian Studies also hosts events to raise awareness about the history and culture of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Bosnian diaspora and participates in related research endeavors.

More About the Center for Bosnian Studies

The Center for Bosnian Studies is currently involved in four major lines of activity. Saint Louis University faculty, staff and students collaborate with members of the St. Louis Bosnian community to:

  • Record interviews of Bosnian genocide survivors and their relatives.
  • Collect books, documents, and photographs that reflect the culture and experiences of Bosnians.
  • Host events that raise awareness about the experiences and identity of the St. Louis Bosnian population.
  • Develop academic programming that promotes understanding of Bosnia, Bosnians, and Bosnian Americans.

In 2016, the Center received a $100,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). In May 2017, Fontbonne University completed its fundraising campaign to match the NEH grant. Over three years, the funds enhanced the quality and expanded the reach of the center, especially in area high schools.