Presidential journeys, especially in the 1920s, played a nation-building role and helped to shape Czechoslovak identity. They often lasted several days and were carefully planned both by the Office of the President and by local administrations. President Masaryk was accompanied by government representatives, his son Jan or daughters Alice or Olga, members of the press, photographers, and film crews. In hundreds of places, he was ceremonially welcomed as the "liberator president" by local officials, associations, and citizens. These visits often changed the appearance of towns and villages — roads, squares, or buildings were repaired, and memorial plaques or monuments were later erected to commemorate the visits.

According to records of the Presidential Office, T. G. Masaryk undertook more than ninety presidential journeys throughout Czechoslovakia.

We welcome any textual or visual documentation of Masaryk’s presidential journeys and their commemoration, especially from smaller towns and villages! Feel free to contact us at tgm@mua.cas.cz.