Česká Opera Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1985 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation to take ownership of and restore the ZČBJ fraternal hall in Haugen, WI. Also in 1985, that hall, built in 1899 and updated between 1913-15, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From 1959 to 1982, it was under the ownership of the Village of Haugen and known as Community Hall. From 1982 to early 1985, it returned to the ownership of the ZČBJ (then called WFLA) lodge. With the forming of a new non-profit organization, it was renamed Česká Opera House. The “Česká” was in respect of the original builder’s intention as a gathering place for the Czech immigrants to the area. “Opera House” is derived from the way of referring to buildings with a stage for performances in the era it was built.

In 1994, the foundation also acquired the 1906 built Haugen Public School. That building was reopened in 2002 as the Haugen Area Historical Museum. The museum primarily covers the history of the Village of Haugen and towns of Oak Grove and Bear Lake in Barron County; and, town of Sarona in Washburn County. It is customarily open afternoons of the second and fourth Saturdays of June-August. Customized visits may also be arranged.

In addition to providing for the upkeep of the two historic buildings, Česká Opera Foundation is generally a cultural and historic preservation entity for the region. Money is raised by memberships, donations and programs presented at the Opera House.