News Release North Platte Public Library
Janet Jeffries of Crete Nebraska will present “Czech Folk Costumes” at the North Platte Public Library at 12:00 PM, Thursday, September 30. National folk costumes, or kroje, in the Czech Lands developed over centuries from the simple garments of the people to the colorful, artistic ensembles one finds today at festivals and in museums. Through slide illustrations and her own collection, Jeffries provides an interesting look at some of the literally hundreds of costume variations differing according to districts, villages, and feudal estates.
Native Nebraskan and descendant of Czech immigrants, Janet Jeffries has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in American history from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her areas of study include Nebraska history and the state’s architectural history, Czechs in Nebraska, Czech costumes and folk art, genealogy, and other related topics. Jeffries directed a Czech studies Elderhostel program at Doane University for 18 years, owns a Czech costume collection that is exhibited periodically, and regularly leads tours to the Czech Republic.
This program is funded through Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Friends of the North Platte Public Library. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register by calling the library at 535-8036, ext. 3320. This helps the library plan room seating. Attendees are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch.