Melnar Library & Genealogy Resources
Genealogy Resources
Research Library
- Open to members during regular center hours
- Contains:
- Czech parish records (microfilm and digital)
- Immigration documents
- Texas land grant records
- Czech-language newspapers and periodicals
- Family histories donated by community members
Genealogy Databases
- Access to subscription-based genealogy websites
- Digitized records from Czech archives
- TCHCC’s proprietary database of Czech-Texan families
Library Information
Collection Highlights
- Over 5,000 Czech-language books
- Extensive collection of Czech and Slovak periodicals
- Texas Czech community newspapers (historical and current)
- Oral history recordings of Czech-Texan elders
- Maps of Czech lands and Texas Czech settlements
Special Collections
- The Svatava Pírková-Jakobson Collection of Czech Folklore
- The Frank J. Sabal Czech Sheet Music Collection
- The Czech-Texan Photograph Archive
Library Services
- Document scanning and digitization (for a fee)
- Research assistance from bilingual librarians
- Czech language children’s corner with books and educational games
- Free access to books and materials for on-site reading (books cannot be checked out)
- A microfilm library of Czech newspapers and newspapers from Fayette and Lavaca counties
- An extensive collection of Czech Moravian Brethren Records of baptisms, marriages, and funerals in central Texas
- Books on immigration, villages of origin, village histories, and ships lists
- Approximately half of the library’s collection is in the Czech language
- Laptops are welcome for research purposes
- Staff of Czech descent experienced in genealogy research to assist visitors
- Option for staff to conduct research on behalf of visitors for a fee. (Discounted for members)
