The Kalamazoo Latvian Association was founded in 1950 by Latvian refugees from WWII. Most had narrowly escaped their homeland after the Russian invasion of 1942. The purpose of the KLA is to organize, sponsor and support the development of Latvian culture in the Kalamazoo area. The KLA regularly organizes a variety of cultural events including concerts, plays, literary evenings and festivals.

The Kalamazoo Latvian Association Center is located across from the Latvian Lutheran Church and shares with it a large common parking area. The building serves as the activity center for all Latvian social and cultural activities including the aforementioned concerts, plays, etc.... The building also provides space for the Latvian School, where youth in grades K-8 have an opportunity to learn the language, culture, history and geography of their native country.

The Latvian Center is primarily used for Latvian cultural events and School, but the facilities are also available to other organizations or private groups for a nominal rent. The main social hall together with the kitchen is especially suitable for weddings and other similar functions. When the Latvian Church is also rented together with the social hall this combination provides for all wedding functions at one location.

The Kalamazoo Latvian Association invites all Latvian community members to join our organization. Please complete and mail in our membership form.