CzechAmerican

Czech American refers to Americans who trace their ancestry to the Czech lands of Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia, or to areas that became part of Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic. The term encompasses a range of identities, including those who identify specifically as Czech American, Bohemian American, or simply American with Czech heritage. In the United States, Czech communities have existed since the 19th century and often formed around immigrant families, churches, and cultural associations.

Historically, large-scale Czech immigration began in the mid-1800s, driven by economic opportunity and political upheaval in the Czech lands, including the revolutions of 1848. Migrants settled in urban and industrial centers, with notable communities emerging in Chicago, Milwaukee, Omaha, and other Midwest cities, as well as in the Northeast. Post-World War II waves brought refugees from communist Czechoslovakia, while later arrivals included family networks and labor migrants. Over time, many Czech Americans blended into broader American society, even as they maintained cultural practices and institutions.

Cultural life within Czech American communities has been supported by organizations such as the Sokol movement, Czech or Bohemian cultural clubs, churches, and fraternal societies. The Czech language was once widely spoken in homes, schools, and some newspapers, though English has become predominant among younger generations. Festivals, music, dance, and folk traditions have helped preserve a sense of Czech heritage, even as communities have adapted to American life. Today, Czech American identity often centers on heritage, regional roots, and participation in multicultural civic life, with communities continuing to celebrate their history through cultural events and education.