Sylvie Bauerova
Born in Czechoslovakia in 1978, Sylvie Bauerova grew up during Communist rule. Before going to college, 19-year-old Sylvie took a vacation to New York that changed her life. Sylvie shares with us the major changes and challenges she faced after immigrating to the United States in 1989.
Annie Schindler
In 1938, Annie Schindler’s parents immigrated to the United States to avoid Nazi rule in Czechoslovakia. Annie recounts the journey her father and seven-months pregnant mother had to make from New York to Fort Worth and then to Houston, Texas. In this interview, Annie remembers the home her family built in Houston and growing up.
Chris Hlavinka
Christopher Joseph Hlavinka was born and raised in the small town of East Bernard, Texas. His grandfather immigrated from Czechoslovakia when he was 5, to join family members who had already settled in the Lone Star State - where the land was cheap, and opportunity plentiful.
Here Hlavinka reflects on many aspects of his life, as influenced by the rich history of his past. He remembers his family's entrepreneurial spirit, unleashed in a new and prosperous land. He also helps us understand the notions of segregation and integration - embracing a new future while respecting the past.
Carol Vacca
Born into a strong family with a rich history and culture, Carol Vacca shares with us her childhood and family heritage. In this interview, she remembers her WWI veteran grandfather and her WWII veteran father. Carol describes the love and hardships her parents faced while making a home for themselves in Texas.
Wesley Pustejovsky
In 1883, Wesley Pustejovsky’s grandparents came over to the United States and settled down in Central Texas in pursuit of land. That is where they began farming and started a family. In this interview, Mr. Pustejovsky shares with us his life experiences and the changes he has seen over the years.
Susan Jezek
While Susan Jezek was raised in the United States and Ecuador, her journey began with her parents in Prague. Susan and her parents fled Czechoslovakia during WWII, leaving behind their family and friends. In this interview, Susan recounts her parents' journey and the resilience they showed while Susan grew up.
Sally Miller
Growing up, Sally Miller enjoyed learning about her heritage. Through her family, she discovered more of her father’s story. In this interview, Sally shares her father’s journey out of Czechoslovakia during WWII and remembers the family he lost during the Holocaust. Sally tells her father’s story and many others from her time as a docent at the Houston Holocaust Museum.
GlenN Sternes
Around 1905, Glenn Sternes grandmother immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. After her family joined her in America, they began to make a new life for themselves. In this interview Dr. Sternes talks about the triumphs and struggles for his family and shares his family’s culture.
Stan Marek
Stan Marek's great grandparents came to the United States all the way from the Czech Republic regardless of the uncertainties. He shares with us their struggles surviving the Great Depression. He believes preserving family history is extremely important, and he talks about how he has been trying to give back to the community by supporting immigration.
The VACEK Family
Born during the Austrian Empire, Frank Vacek stowed away on a ship heading to America at the age of 14. After making a life for himself and his family, Frank met Albina Lednicky. In this story, their family shares their love and the life they built for their growing family.
Shirley Nelson
Shirley Nelson now living in New Mexico, recalls the story of her parents coming to the United States from Austria- Hungary and how luck played a part in his father’s immigration.
David CHROUST
After living in refugee camp, Dr. David Chroust’s parents decided to go to the United States with the help of an organization called AFCR. He shares his story about Czech comminities and how he actively involves himself in them.
Laura Richard
Living in Crosby since they were born, Laura Richard and her mother Shelley Cochran share their memories about the changes in Crosby and their Czech connections through Crosby and personal history.
Frank Vlasek
Frank Vlasek, born in 1921 to Czech immigrants, recounts his life growing up in the Texas Hill Country. Frank David Vlasek was one of 12 children, born on February 2, 1921 to John and Agnes Vlasek. His father had come to America through the port of Galveston at the turn of the century, and ultimately settled with his family in the Texas Hill Country.