THE CZECH HERITAGE SOCIETY OF
TEXAS
DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF OUR CZECH HERITAGE
A Texas 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
History
The
Czech Heritage Society of Texas was founded on October 30, 1982
in Taylor, Texas at SPJST Lodge #29.
Thirty-two charter members were present at this meeting called by the
society's founder, the late Albert J. Blaha.
The Czech Heritage Society of Texas is a non-denominational, non-profit
501(c)(3) organization administered entirely by volunteers.
The
mission of the Czech Heritage Society is to preserve and promote the genealogy,
history, heritage, culture and language of the Czechs and Czech Moravians of
Texas. The society holds three meetings
annually, genealogy seminars, and workshops in various parts of the state to
assist people in locating their Czech ancestors and documenting their family
histories.
In 1988, in memory of Albert J. Blaha, the Albert J. Blaha Memorial Research Fund was established. It was designed to give financial backing to studies that increase knowledge of the history and genealogy of the Czechs of Texas. The CHS Library and Archives located at 4117 Willowbend, Houston, Texas is a joint project with CHS Harris County Chapter. Additions to the library come from gifts or are purchased through the Library Fund. In memory of Victor Peter, the Victor A. Peter Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Harris County Chapter CHS and is now administered by the State CHS. Donations to any or all of these funds are being accepted.
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The Czech Heritage Society publishes Českı Hlas (Czech Voice), a quarterly newsletter that keeps members informed about the state society and county chapter activities and includes articles of cultural, historical and genealogical interest. CHS also publishes an annual membership roster that includes surnames being researched by each member. The CHS has also published numerous genealogical resource books which have been placed in numerous libraries and has been involved in cultural and genealogical exchange programs between Texas Czechs and the people of the Czech Republic. |
County Chapters of the Czech Heritage Society have been established and continue to be established in locations where persons who trace their ancestry to the Czech Lands have an interest in preserving and promoting their heritage. CHS county chapters are located in the following areas:
| Victoria County - 1984 | Fort Bend County - 1987 | McLennan-Hill Counties - 1991 |
| Harris County - 1985 | Ellis County - 1987 | Burleson County - 1991 |
| Wharton County - 1986 | Galveston County - 1989 | Travis-Williamson Counties - 1993 |
| Fayette County - 1987 | Bexar County - 1990 | Brazos Valley - 1997 |
| Concho-Valley Counties - 1987 | Lavaca County - 1991 | Gonzales County - 2006 |
Members
who belong to a county chapter belong to the state society as well. Members-at-large are usually from areas,
including other states and countries, where no county chapter exists. Membership is open to anyone who is
interested in and supportive of the goals of The Czech Heritage Society
of Texas.
The
membership year is from January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. Annual dues to the State are:
Regular - $10.00 Contributing - $25.00 Supporting - $50.00 Patron - $100.00
Other
levels of contributing memberships are available. County Chapters establish their additional
local dues.
For more information and membership applications write to:
The Czech Heritage Society of Texas
PO Box 895
El Campo, TX 77437-0895
2007©CHS