Museum... Message From Library. Archives and Museum Past President Glenn Kaminsky Library, Archives and Museum History "Museums are the unique keepers of the past. They act as safeguards for the cultural resources of our human heritage. From the chaos and conflict of today's world, the museum will hold the collections that tell us today and tomorrow who we are and where we come from." This quote is part of one of several decoupages adorning a wall at the SPJST Museum. And certainly the SPJST Library and Museum, located in the basement of the SPJST Home Office at 520 North Main Street, preserves the culture, the memories and the proud history of Czech culture. Those searching for their own history can discover a lot. The library contains some 23,000 volumes, 18,000 of which were written in the Czech language. When visitors enter the museum, they are instantly taken back in time where memories both good and bad exist. The struggles and triumphs of early Czech settlers are evident throughout the years of history displayed in the museum. Guided tours are given during regular museum hours, or by special arrangement. The museum is open each weekday from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Some of What You'll See . . . According to the museum's brochure, a major goal is to preserve the Czech cultural heritage by teaching Czech history and traditions. It also stands as a memorial to the pioneer forefathers and mothers who settled Texas. Here's some of what you can expect to see: A map that was made and displayed at the Texas Centennial in 1936 is proudly displayed. The map has the various Czech communities marked. Red dots represent Protestant churches and crosses represent Catholic churches.   Music is also a part of the Czech heritage. An old organ that was hand-delivered by Sears & Roebuck costing $28.45 at the time of delivery, stands in a corner. A "magic gambler" used to determine who would pay for the beer in the 1880s, and one that is still in good operating condition offers an interesting view of early Czechs to museum visitors. Photographs reveal a sadder part of history-the story of Lidice. During World War II, Nazis swore to wipe Lidice off the face of the earth because Reinhart Heydrich, a Nazi official, was killed in Prague. While searching for Heydrich's killers, Nazi's discovered a raincoat with two letters addressed to Lidice. They traveled there, and shot all 172 men and boys of the village. The women and children were sent to concentration camps. Money was sent from around the world to erect a cross on the common grave of the men. On the wall beside the pictorial account of the destruction is the quote, "May God grant that this never happen anywhere." The museum, open since 1971, also maintains a colorful doll collection, including one set donated by the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. A log cabin replica of the first Czech home built in Texas by Josef Lidumel Lesikar near Nelsonville in 1854 is proudly displayed at the museum.   Passing by the museum's kitchen replica with its baby cradle and wood burning stove evokes memories of mornings in grandmother's kitchen. Quilts displayed in the museum were crafted with great care and fine craftsmanship. The Friendship Quilt hanging at the museum has 528 names on it, and was sewn by the Christian Sisters of the Ocker Brethren Church. Each square was made by a different sister in 1928.         See for Yourself! SPJST Library, Archives and Museum 520 North Main Street · Temple, Texas 76501 Phone: (254) 773-1575 · (800) 727-7578 Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, except 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Closed Weekends and Holidays Except By Appointment All group tours are booked through the Library, Archives and Museum at (800) 727-7578. Admission is free. All donations collected support the SPJST LAM Development Program, Educational and Museum Exhibits and Outreach Programs. To acknowledge your contribution, the SPJST LAM offers special recognition for each level of membership. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Treasurer Jesse Pospisil at (512) 365-1110. For additional SPJST Library, Archives and Museum information - including details regarding tax-deductible donations - please contact LAM President Jerry Milan at (817) 237-4237, LAM Treasurer Jesse Pospisil at (512) 365-1110 or any of these respective district LAM Board members. SPJST LAM Contact: Administrator Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935

SPJST LAM Directors President Jerry Milan (District 3) 6208 Lakeside Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76135 (817) 237-4237 Treasurer Jesse Pospisil (District 2) 4710 FM 1331 Taylor, Texas 76574 (512) 365-1110 Secretary Roxanne Bertrand (District 7) 4158 FM 1303 Floresville, Texas 78114 (830) 393-6960   Margaret Haisler (District 1) Route Two, Box 58 Caldwell, Texas 77836 (979) 272-8657

Nancy Weise (District 4) 6006 FM Highway 765 San Angelo, Texas 76905 (915) 651-8550   Fred Buri (District 5) 7918 Hilshire Green Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 464-3808   Philip Vahalik (District 6) 2508 North Levi Victoria, Texas 77901 (361) 573-5482   Brian Vanicek P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 (254) 773-1575