Vol. 1 Issue 3 — October 2026
Museum • Library • Archives
“Your support means a great deal to us, as you will become a walking, talking advocate for an organization that celebrates the heritages of all persons. Your heritage has made you the person you are, one whose forbears gave up everything they owned to leave their country, braved a dangerous voyage, and were faced with building a new life in this country. These were stalwart individuals of whom to be proud.
S pánem Bohem”
— Effie M. Rosene —
October marks Czech Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions, history, and artistry of Czech and Slovak communities. Throughout the month, Czech Center Museum Houston invites you to join us for programs that honor heritage, inspire connection, and highlight the stories that shape our shared cultural legacy.
Book Showcase
For generations, Czechs and Slovaks have used this nursery rhyme as a fingerplay game to entertain infants and toddlers, helping them develop early motor skills and language recognition.
Similar to the English rhyme “This Little Piggy,” the storyteller counts out the mouse’s children using the child’s fingers. The story follows a mother mouse feeding her children and running out before the little mouse gets any. It remains a staple of Czech & Slovak childhood and early cultural identity.
Vařila myšička kašičku (Mother Mouse Cooked Porridge) by Ladislava Pechová is found in the Comenius Library, 3rd floor of CCMH. Click below to watch a video of the hand gestures!
Volunteer Spotlight | 9.25.26
Frances (Francie) Smith
I grew up on a farm in the small town of Flushing, Michigan. My father’s parents immigrated from Slovakia in their twenties in the early 1900s. My mother’s parents emigrated from Moravia and married in America. All four grandparents entered this country through Ellis Island, settling in the Midwest near other emigrants from Eastern Europe.
My father was an engineer at General Mills, and he also farmed 80 acres of land. The farm kept 9 children busy and out of trouble. Being the third oldest, I worked very hard with farm work, milking cows, combining wheat, harvesting corn, and much more.
I was instilled with the values of hard work, a strong education, discipline, faith in God, love of family, and respect for others. I was an emergency room nurse in the Denver area for 10 years and then moved to Houston to attend law school. After my graduation in 1980, I remained in Houston until my retirement.
I have a love of the outdoors and a passion for sailing. I have owned 2 sailboats and raced boats for 25 years. I’ve sailed in the Aegean Sea in Greece and have taken a 30-day trip with 5 friends to the British Virgin Islands.
Francie enjoying a meal at Pivovar in Waco, TX
I have been volunteering at the Czech Museum for 10 years. I especially loved the time it was closed to the public due to Covid. I spent the year sitting on the 3rd floor, going through unopened boxes. I read letters, saw pictures, and much of the memorabilia that is now in our exhibits. It was so interesting and exciting to share the Czech emigrant experience of life in a new world.
I have loved my volunteer experience here and the appreciation that it has given me for the suffering and hard work that my grandparents endured so that their future generations would have freedom and a better life.
The Czech Center Museum Houston thrives because of dedicated volunteers who bring our mission to life. Whether you’re welcoming guests, supporting cultural programs, or helping preserve Czech and Slovak heritage, your time makes a real impact. Volunteering here isn’t just service; it’s community, connection, and a chance to share history with future generations. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, we’d love to have you join us. Email admin@czechcenter.org for more information.
Know our Board Members | 10.3.26
Allison Piper Kimball
Our CCMH spotlight this month is on Board Member Allison Piper Kimball, a fifth-generation Texas Czech from the Houston area, and an obvious choice for October, which is Czech Heritage Month!
Allison traces her Czech heritage to 1871 when her great-great-great-grandparents emigrated through Galveston to southeast Texas. The Rochens (Americanized from “Ročen”) eventually settled in Waller County, farming and raising cattle. Allison’s family still owns part of the original land, where her brother lives and keeps cattle today.
Allison grew up in Katy and spent lots of time with her grandparents on the farm in Waller. One summer, Allison recalls hoeing peanuts every day for two weeks to make enough money to buy the most prized possession of the day - a bright yellow Sony Walkman cassette player with headphones!
Allison’s grandfather, Johnnie Rochen, spoke only Czech on the farm until he started school at age 11. His wife was not Czech, and because at that time the focus was on assimilation, they did not teach their daughter the Czech language; so, within a generation, the language disappeared from the family.
Pictured are her grandfather, mother, and Allison, circa 1974
After earning bachelors and masters degrees, Allison worked as an environmental and occupational health consultant. Allison has fond memories and many colorful stories from her work in chemical plants, refineries, and on tugboats on the Mississippi.
After completing an MBA at Tulane University, Allison worked in retail electricity for nearly 20 years, serving as Chief Operating Officer for StarTex Power, and then as Chief Operating Officer for Spark Energy, which she helped take public in 2014. After retiring from electricity, Allison joined the Houston Angel Network and started working with entrepreneurs.
Allison has been a member of CCMH for many years and joined the board of directors this past January. She is excited and honored to work to preserve and share the rich Texas Czech history for all.
What We’ve Been Up To
Heart of Moravia: Music That Moves You 2026
On Wednesday, September 2, although the night began with a turbulent arrival, the Moravian music and dance troupe Lintava played and danced into attendees’ hearts in Prague Hall.
Moravian Brass Spectacular 2026
The CCMH audience warmly welcomed Vonička to Houston on Wednesday, September 23. The band brought lively folk rhythms and vibrant brass harmonies to Czech Center Museum Houston, creating an energetic celebration of Moravian musical tradition and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable cultural event.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss
(click each to learn more)
10/28/26 Czech National Day Concert
10/29 & 10/30 Czech Consular Days in Houston
11/12/26 Harmonies of the Homeland
11/21/26 Holiday Market at the CCMH
The Power of Oral Histories
At the Czech Center Museum Houston, oral histories are more than memories. They’re living bridges between generations. Through personal stories of immigration, military service, and life under Communist Czechoslovakia, the Oral Histories Project preserves experiences that might otherwise fade with time. Every shared journey adds depth to the collective narrative of Czech and Slovak heritage in America, helping future generations understand not just historical events, but the human courage, resilience, and hope behind them.
If you or your family carry a story connected to this heritage, your voice can help keep history alive. The museum welcomes contributions that honor the past and enrich the future.