The Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center recently formed its new Community Engagement Board. The board will support promotional, programming and fundraising efforts for the museum.
“We were really in need of local community leaders,” said Susan Chandler, museum director. “I approached people who had already expressed to me a heart for preserving history and heritage, who value having a museum in the community and, or who hold a real love for Czech and central European culture. Every person I asked responded yes with enthusiasm.”
The Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center is located at 119 W. French Ave. in Temple. Many Williamson County residents claim Czech heritage.
Board member Jeremy Jirasek, of Jirasek Realty, has been observing the rapid population growth in the area.
“We’ve doubled in size in 30 years,” said Jirasek. “I don’t know if people that have moved to Temple would be aware of this Czech heritage that we have in our community without the Czech Heritage Museum.”
Jerry Haisler is also serving on the board.
“The reason I’m willing to be involved is that I think the museum and collection of things that represent Czech culture is our legacy and important to keep and maintain. We’ve made a lot of progress to get to where we are, but now we need to move to the next level. We need a broader audience and now we have some synergy going with many people who bring their circles of influence. When you get with a network of people, you can do things that are not attainable with one person or a select group,” said Haisler.
The museum is also calling for volunteer docents and tour guides.
“We are looking for people who enjoy talking with people and are willing to learn Czech history and share their own cultural experiences,” said Chandler. “We’ve made signing up for volunteer hours easy. You can sign up in three-hour increments and plan ahead. If all you can give is a few hours per month, we’ll take it,” said Chandler.
“We’ve doubled in size in 30 years. I don’t know if people that have moved to Temple would be aware of this Czech heritage that we have in our community without the Czech Heritage Museum.”
- Jeremy Jirasek, museum board member
