In the third lecture of this year’s lineup of the Godtland Lecture Series, sponsored by the Albert Lea Art Center, Marie and Alton Krikava will be hosts for an event at the historic Bohemian Brick Hall in Myrtle at 7 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release.  Also participating as moderators will be Katherine and Joe Pacovsky, proprietors of the Czech Inn Bed & Breakfast in Hayward.

The Czech community has deep roots in Minnesota and has continued to celebrate its heritage and culture for more than 150 years in Freeborn County. The close-knit group remains loyal to its ancestry by continuing to honor cultural customs, music, food and dress.

The Krikavas will discuss the history of the Czech people with stories of their European travels, as well as their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage in modern times. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Bohemian Brick Hall, built in 1909, has been a cultural center for the Czech community hosting reunions, dances, suppers and lodge meetings. On display at the hall during the lecture will be the original hand-painted theater stage backdrop as well as mannequins dressed in original Czech costumes.

Marie Krikava, known as the Kolache Lady, will serve her famous homemade Kolaches, a Czech pastry that is a staple at the Czech Inn.

Admission for the lecture is free and open to the public.

Attendees who prefer to car pool to the Bohemian Brick Hall for the lecture, can meet 6:30 p.m. at the Art Center at 226 W. Clark St. in Albert Lea.

Additional information on the lecture series can be found at www.thealbertleaartcenter.org.