January 21st marked the 150th anniversary of the death of one the most famous and influential Czech writers, Božena Němcová who was born in Vienna. When she was 17 years old, she married Josef Němec who a state customs officer and 15 years older than her. Although the marriage lasted nearly 25 years, it became an unhappy one since the married couple didn’t understand one another very well. Němcová died in poverty, estranged from her husband. Bohemian patriots arranged a dignified funeral for her. Her most popular work is the novel The Grandmother, considered a classic work of Czech literature. The book was inspired by Němcová‘s own childhood in the village of Ratibořice, where she lived with her parents, siblings and maternal grandmother, Magdalena Novotná. and Magdaléna Pokorná.
This year, we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Arts. Today's Academy of Science of the Czech Republic expands upon efforts of its several predecessors. The first was the Royal Bohemian Society of Sciences (1784-1952). The Czech Academy of Sciences and the Arts was established in 1891 through the significant financial support by the Czech architect and builder Josef Hlávka, who became its first President. It was known until 1918 as the Franz Josef I. Czech Academy of Sciences, Literature and Arts. The aim of this institution was to promote the development of Czech science and literature and to support Czech arts. The most important work of this institution was its publishing activities. Scholarships and financial support were also provided and smaller research units arose from its initiative as well. and Magdaléna Pokorná.