Czech Embassy Visitor Enjoys Time in La Grange

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange had a special visitor April 7.

Jan Woska, the First Secretary/Cultural Attache of the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. was touring various sites in Texas and, of course, made La Grange a stop on that trip.

Here’s how the Czech Embassy summarized his trip:

“Touring the museum with Retta Chandler, President, he saw a wonderful movie about Czech immigration to Texas which started around 1850. The TCHCC’s manager, Mark Hermes, who also plays accordion in the polka band Czechaholics, showed some of the beau tifully preserved artifacts in the museum, including a print machine. Woska was impressed by the dedication to the preservation of Czech culture and the passion of the people working at the museum.

He also had the opportunity to view the new archival building, which was built with financial support of the Ministry.

Furthermore, he met with board members and volunteers who have worked for years to keep the Czech community alive. This year the TCHCC celebrates its 25th anniversary!”

Woska’s visit didn’t stop at the Czech Center.

He was spending the night in La Grange, so Hermes suggested a trip to Monument Hill/ Kreische Brewery State Historic Site.

Gavin Mikulka gave Woska a tour of the park.

“Jan likes state parks and hiking and didn’t get to do much of it yet on this trip so we got a little in for him,” Hermes said.