Foreign Minister Pays Tribute to Masaryk at Opening
07.10.2010 / 23:57 | Aktualizováno: 07.10.2011 / 19:14
(This article expired 08.10.2011 / 02:00.)
Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg opened the exhibition Yes, Masaryk: President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, on October 6, 2010, to an audience of over 100 people at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Professor of History and International Relations of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, Dr. Hugh Agnew, also gave a brief speech about the life of Masaryk, including tidbits of knowledge of his travel on horseback through Rock Creek Park and his stay in America. The exhibition features photographs provided by Prague Castle Archives that are on exhibit for the first time in the United States.
Through a collection of black and white pictures accompanied by short powerful quotes, the exhibition gives an intimate look at the life of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Additional panels provide information about his life from boyhood to diplomat and president. The photographs, quotes, and stories presented throughout the exhibition, remind viewers of President Masaryk’s commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and peace, and his conviction that those ideals transcend time, geography, ethnicity, and language.
Masaryk remains a key example of Czech-American relations, for the bonds he formed in the U.S. are still strong. He had a professorship at the University of Chicago, married an American citizen – Charlotte Garrigue, and even convinced President Woodrow Wilson of the rightness of his cause: Masaryk called for the independence of his country and other oppressed people of Central Europe.
This year also marks the 160th birthday anniversary of both Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and his wife Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk, and the exhibition serves to celebrate and bear witness to his life. The exhibition will be on display until October 31, 2010. If you are interested in viewing the exhibition, please call 202/274-9105 to schedule an appointment.
The exhibition is a part of a series of events entitled TGM – Mutual Inspirations, which strives to examine Czech and American cultural connections. Upcoming events at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in connection with Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (TGM): Mutual Inspirations include:
October 12, 6:30 pm
Film Screening: Accidental Army
A true story about the Czechoslovak Legion
47 minutes, Creative Director: Bruce Bendinger
Amidst the chaos of World War One and the Russian Revolution, 70,000 Czech and Slovak prisoners of war switched sides. They became The Czechoslovak Legion ―an Allied army fighting for a country of their own―Czechoslovakia. They captured half the Trans-Siberian Railway, half the Czar’s gold, and the heart of a new nation. Enjoy the ride. The documentary was created by the Czech Legion Project - www.czechlegion.com.
In addition to the film screening, Victor Verney―author of Warrior of God: Jan Žižka and the Hussite Revolution―will present a short talk on the tradition of the military in relation to his book and the film.
Admission is free. R.S.V.P.: czech_events@yahoo.comor 202/274-9105.
October 26, 6:30 pm
Event: Talks with Masaryk
This special evening will feature a number of guest speakers talking about the different aspects of Masaryk’s life and connection to America, music provided by the Rudolflet Quartet, and theatrical readings. Dr. Hugh Agnew, Professor of History and International Relations, will reveal the life of Masaryk through the eyes of historians. Dr. Milena Secká, Director of the Náprstek Museum Library of the National Museum, will speak about the American Ladies Club. She will mention Masaryk and his visits and lectures, and relations of Charlotte Masaryk to the Club. Completing the evening will be Mrs. Blanka Jeřábková who will discuss the life of her grandmother Marie Kvíčalová, a secret messenger for Masaryk.
Admission is free. R.S.V.P.: czech_events@yahoo.comor 202/274-9105.