La Grange in historic Fayette County, the "Cradle of Czech Immigration," is the the site for the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, a multi-functional facility that will preserve and promote the history, language, culture and heritage of Texans of Czech ethnicity who trace their ancestry to the Czechs who immigrated from the present-day Czech Republic or the former Austro-Hungarian Empire (including Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia). It honors those immigrants by striving to fulfill the following goals:

	To educate the public about the past and present contributions and status of persons of Czech descent;
	To encourage the study and preservation of the Czech language, fine arts, music and dance;
	To provide for the preservation and exhibition of artifacts that are historically significant to the Czech people of Texas;
	To provide a library and archives for the collection and preservation of books, newspapers, periodicals, family histories, research material, photographs, and all printed data of historical significance to the Czech people of Texas;
	To provide adequate space for gatherings, meetings, and educational activities for the benefit of the Czech people of Texas;
	To encourage and promote a cultural exchange program between the Czech people of Texas and the citizens of the Czech Republic; and,
	To provide the public with updated information regarding Czech related activities and historical sites in Texas, the United States and abroad.

Fayette County has the largest Czech population per capita and the most Czech communities of any county in the state. Many historical sites, prominent persons and events that are significant to Texas Czechs can be linked to Fayette County, which has the distinction of having had more immigrants from the Czech lands of the Austro-Hungarian Empire settle there in the second half of the nineteenth century than any other county in Texas.

The Goals

It is envisioned that the center will become a "Czech People's Center" with a library, archives, exhibit halls, auditorium, classrooms, meeting rooms, visitor information center and gift shop/bookstore in a central facility. Outdoors, the complex will include an amphitheater, immigrants' memorial wall, memorial rose garden, and a living history center with a Texas Czech farmstead and an early 20th century village with a dance hall and Czech restaurant. Other amenities will include a covered pavilion and area for family reunions and other outdoor events.

State-of-the-art technology, interactive learning centers and educational activities will provide opportunities for visitors to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center to gain a better understanding of the lifestyle, customs, traditions and contributions of Texans of Czech ethnicity and their significance in the state's heritage. Patrons who are interested in genealogy will be able to not only utilize the available resources in the Center's library and archives, but will also be able to access the database of other libraries and archives throughout the country. In addition to a permanent collection of artifacts, plans include a rotation of exhibits, so that returning visitors will have something new and exciting to see. An exchange of collections of Czech artifacts, art and photographs with other institutions will provide a continuing source of enrichment and education.

Events featuring the music and dance of the Czech people of Texas and the present-day Czech Republic are already be presented for the enjoyment of all those interested in preserving this aspect of Czech culture.

The development of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is being undertaken in phases according to a master plan developed by the Board of Directors, various committees of interested individuals and the architectural firm of Cutright and Allen, Inc. of La Grange.

The Vision

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