I studied photojournalism because I wanted to preserve history. Family history often is overlooked, but it is an important, perishing treasure. Too many good stories go untold; too many people lack a sense of place and purpose. I knew very little about the Dostal family before I began this project. But with each new discovery, I placed my life in a more meaningful context.
Hynek Dostal was my great grandfather, and he is the focus of the story. He was a prominent St. Louisan who helped form the country of Czechoslovakia. But it was the death of my grandmother and a desire to know more about my roots that compelled me to begin this project in 1996. Watch the movies, which contain hundreds of photographs. Listen to voices from the past or historian Ken Burns. This is an ongoing work. Please take a moment to leave your thoughts in the forum. Charles Williams
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