The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange was honored to host a special farewell reception for the outgoing Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, His Excellency Miloslav Stašek. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the ambassador’s role in strengthening Czech-Texas ties, celebrate recent accomplishments at the center, and look ahead to new possibilities for collaboration between Czechia, Texas, and our local communities.
Included in the official group photo, left to right:
Front row:
Brian Vaníček, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic and TCHCC Board Member; Mayor Jan Dockery, City of La Grange; Ambassador Miloslav Stašek; John Bartoš, President of the TCHCC Board; Walter Stoever, Treasurer of the TCHCC Board; and Mark Hermes, TCHCC Manager.
Second row:
Věra Wehring, TCHCC Board Member ; Carolyn Heinsohn, TCHCC Historian; Jan Hladík, Head of the Economic and Trade Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic; Josh Homan, Fayette County Judge-Elect; Kenner Bartos; and Jennifer Lane, TCHCC Marketing Manager.
Third row:
Cathleen Noska, TCHCC Office Manager and Kathleen Kramr, TCHCC Gift Shop Manager.
Ambassador Stašek played an instrumental role in coordinating the historic 2024 visit of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and First Lady Eva Pavlová, to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. That visit marked a proud moment not only for TCHCC, but for all those who cherish the deep historical and cultural connections between Czechia and Texas. During this farewell occasion, the Ambassador was shown the monument installed on the TCHCC grounds commemorating the visit of President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová, a lasting reminder of the friendship and shared heritage that continues to grow between our two homelands.
Our guests also toured TCHCC’s new exhibit, “250 Years: Czech-American Legacy,” which offers an expansive and carefully curated timeline of monumental events. The exhibit begins with the founding of the United States in 1776 and traces parallel developments in the České země (Czech Lands) and in Texas, highlighting the stories, milestones, and historic turning points that shaped Czech-American life over more than two centuries. This exhibit was thoughtfully researched and assembled by Museum Manager Janis Hrncir, Historian Carolyn Heinsohn, and Terry Brooks, whose dedicated work brings our shared history to life for visitors of all ages.
In addition, Ambassador Stašek was introduced to the newest addition in our Czech Village, the Blacksmith Shop, which showcases another important aspect of the traditional skills and trades that early Czech settlers brought with them to Texas. Standing amid the historic buildings and lovingly preserved artifacts, President John Bartoš shared TCHCC’s vision for the future of the campus, including plans for expanded museum facilities that will feature a dedicated Kroj Museum and a Brethren Church. These projects will further enhance TCHCC’s role as a cultural and educational hub, preserving not only artifacts and buildings, but also the faith, music, language, and folk traditions that define Czech heritage in Texas.
The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is deeply grateful for its ongoing relationship with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and for Ambassador Stašek’s personal support of TCHCC and the broader Czech-Texan community. TCHCC looks forward to even closer cooperation and more opportunities to welcome Czech dignitaries, students, and cultural delegations to La Grange, and eagerly anticipates the strengthening of these bonds, the sharing of our stories, the raising of a glass of slivovice together, and, true to good Czech and Texan tradition, having a lot of fun as we celebrate and preserve our rich Czech‑American heritage for generations to come.
