About Us

History of TCHCC

Established in 1997, the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center grew from a grassroots effort to preserve the rich legacy of Czech immigrants in Texas. Our journey began when a group of passionate Czech-Texans recognized the need to safeguard their cultural heritage for future generations.

Key milestones:

1997

TCHCC founded by a coalition of Czech organizations in Texas

2000

Acquisition of our current 75-acre site in La Grange

2003

Opening of the main museum building

2007

Completion of the Texas Czech Village, featuring restored historic buildings

2015

Launch of our genealogy research center

2020

Virtual expansion with online exhibits and digital archives

Today, our center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of Czech-Americans to the Lone Star State, welcoming over 30,000 visitors annually.

For More Details or To Visit Our Virtual Tour

Click Here

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Mission and Vision

Mission

To preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Texas Czechs through education, events, and community engagement. We strive to:

Collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and documents related to Czech-Texan history
Provide educational programs that foster understanding and appreciation of Czech culture
Support genealogical research for those tracing their Czech roots
Maintain a vibrant community center for Czech-Americans and cultural enthusiasts

Vision

To be the premier resource for Czech-American history and culture in Texas, fostering a deep appreciation for our shared heritage across generations. We envision:

Expanding our reach to engage younger generations in preserving their Czech heritage
Developing innovative digital resources to make Czech-Texan history accessible worldwide
Strengthening partnerships with Czech institutions to facilitate cultural exchange
Becoming a leading center for Czech language education in the Southwest

Board of Directors and Staff

TCHCC Board of Directors 2025

John Bartos

Retta Slavik Chandler

William H. Schovajsa

Barbara Stratton Hruby

Walter Stoever

Dennis Vanek

Brian Vaniček

James Steffek

J. G. Hrncir

Clarice Marik Snokhous

Key Staff:

Our dedicated team of staff works tirelessly to bring Czech culture to life for our visitors. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing our heritage.

Mark Hermes

Jennifer Lane

Georgia Vyvial

Cathleen Noska

Eugene Klekar

Jaime Janda

Kathleen Kramr

Shari McDonald

Volunteers

We are grateful for the many volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to support our mission. From expert genealogists to passionate tour guides, our volunteers are essential to the success of TCHCC.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Tour Guides: Share our history with visitors
Event Assistants: Help organize our cultural celebrations
Research Volunteers: Support our genealogy and archival efforts
Garden Volunteers: Maintain our heritage gardens
Czech Language Conversation Partners: Practice with language learners

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us for more information on how you can get involved and help preserve Czech-Texan heritage.

Contact Information

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center
250 W. Fairgrounds Rd., La Grange, TX 78945

Phone: 1-888-785-4500
Email: info@czechtexas.org
Website: www.czechtexas.org

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed on major holidays

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @TexasCzechHeritageCenter
YouTube: @TexasCzechHeritage