Dr. Jaromír Mrňka is a research associate at the DHI Warsaw and heads the branch office in Prague. From October 29 to December 6, 2024, he completed a fellowship at the German Historical Institute in Washington and its Berkeley branch. He has summarized his experiences in a report on the Max Weber Foundation's blog "Geisteswissenschaft als Beruf" (excerpt):
The United States in autumn: colorful forests, bustling metropolises, and an intense academic program. This is what awaited me when I began my Vernetzungsfellowship with the Max Weber Foundation in October 2024. From the vibrant streets of Washington, D.C., through the creative energy of New York City, to the intellectual depths of Berkeley and the rich queer history of San Francisco, this journey opened new horizons and fostered invaluable connections.
A Stop in New York City
From November 6 to 8, I visited the Czech Center in New York City. This small slice of the Czech Republic in the heart of Manhattan impressed me with its energy and dedication to promoting Czech culture. Particularly intriguing were discussions about the challenges of presenting Czech history and culture in an international context. The city itself, with its dynamic energy, endless possibilities, and cultural diversity, provided the perfect backdrop for reflecting on transnational identities—a theme central to my own research.
Moving to Pittsburgh
On November 15, I had the privilege of presenting my lecture, "Queer Urban Underworlds: A Concept & Case Study of Late Socialist Prague," at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. In a seminar led by Wendy Goldman and Alissa Klots, I discussed the tensions between state repression and the creative survival strategies of marginalized groups in socialist Czechoslovakia. The audience's interest in my research methods was particularly fascinating. Questions about sources—especially oral histories and archival materials—led to engaging discussions. The overwhelming response and subsequent conversations opened new perspectives for my work, highlighting the role of historical research in contemporary social debates.
California Perspective in Berkeley
The final stage of my fellowship brought me to Berkeley, where I joined the Pacific Office of the German Historical Institute Washington from November 18 to December 7. On November 21, I delivered my second lecture, "Repressive Realities: State Security, Queer Marginalization, and Urban Underworlds in Late Socialist Prague." The post-lecture discussion was particularly inspiring, touching on both historical and contemporary sociopolitical issues. We delved into parallels between the mechanisms of repression in 20th-century authoritarian regimes and current challenges in dealing with marginalized groups.
US-History in San Francisco
Another highlight in Berkeley was my exchange with Isabel Richter, the director of the Pacific Office, and Heike Friedman, the program officer. Together, we discussed concrete plans for closer collaboration in the coming years. These discussions resulted in initial ideas for transnational projects that could strengthen the Max Weber Foundation. Equally valuable were my conversations with Viola Alianov-Rautenberg, a research fellow at the Pacific Office. Her perspectives on European history greatly enriched our exchanges.
A Visionary Conclusion
This fellowship was not only a professional challenge but also a personal enrichment. (...) Looking back on this time, I am most struck by the realization that academia is an adventure without borders—an adventure defined not only by the exchange of knowledge but also by the human connections that inspire and propel us forward. And perhaps my next journey will take me across the Atlantic once again, to new horizons and challenges.
You can read the entire article on the Max Weber Foundation blog Geisteswissenschaft als Beruf.