The SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum (LAM) in Temple, Texas is certainly a treasure to all Texans with an interest in Czech genealogy.  Earlier this year the newly formed Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) proposed a "Friends of the SPJST Library" project to the SPJST LAM Committee.  The TCGS proposal was accepted on 10 March 2001.  The primary objective of the TCGS project is to maximize the value of the SPJST Library as a genealogical research site.

A preliminary plan has been prepared to accomplish this objective.  The plan focuses on preservation, cataloging, genealogy research aids, acquisitions, and outreach/publicity.  Preservation activities will be directed towards books and newspapers.   An initial effort will identify which books need to be hard covered or repaired.  TCGS is also reviewing preservation techniques for newspapers. Both microfilming and scanning and storing on cd-rom are being evaluated.  The two newspapers being considered for preservation are the Vestnik and Hospodar. With regard to cataloging, various computer programs are under consideration.

Future developments will include genealogical research aids for those who visit the SPJST Library.  For beginners, there will be a beginner's material kit which will include items such as family group sheets, pedigree charts, instruction sheets on the use of coding, and an explanation of how to conduct basic vital records research.  For those who are more advanced, there will be research aids for census records, naturalization records, wills, poll tax records, church records, and passenger lists.  In the future, TCGS intends to conduct educational seminars on genealogical research at the SPJST Library. 

As new research materials (books, microfilm, or CD-ROMs) become available, TCGS will propose these items for acquisition to the SPJST LAM Committee.  In addition, when cataloging is completed, consideration is being given to publishing on a website the materials that are available at the SPJST Library.

If you are interested in being involved in this project or would like to participate in an original Texas Czech research project, please contact Leo Baca by mail at 1707 Woodcreek, Richardson, TX 75082 or by email at lbaca@attbi.com  or by phone at 972-231-6011.