Introduction
On 19 September 2025, history will be made in the Czech Republic. A secret sealed envelope will finally be opened. Inside this envelope are believed to be the last words of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president and founding father of Czechoslovakia.
This envelope has been kept safe for 20 years. It was given to the Czech National Archive in 2005 by a man named Antonín Šum. He said that the envelope must not be opened until 2025. Now, the day has come. The opening will take place at Lány Castle, with the Czech President Petr Pavel and other important people present.
People across the country, and even around the world, are waiting to know what is inside.
Who Was Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk?
To understand why this envelope is so important, we need to know about Masaryk’s life.
- Masaryk was born in 1850 in Moravia, then part of the Austrian Empire.
- He studied philosophy and became a respected teacher and writer.
- During World War I, he worked to create a new country for the Czech and Slovak people.
- In 1918, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, Masaryk became the first president of Czechoslovakia.
- He is called the “President Liberator” because he helped to give freedom to his people.
- Masaryk stayed president until 1935, when he resigned due to poor health.
- He died in 1937, but he is still remembered as the most important leader in Czech and Slovak history.
Masaryk was not only a politician but also a man of strong values. He believed in democracy, education, and human rights. That is why his last words are expected to be very meaningful.
The Journey of the Envelope
After Masaryk’s death in 1937, some of his private writings and notes were kept safe by his son, Jan Masaryk. Jan himself was a diplomat and later became foreign minister. But the world changed quickly: World War II came, and Jan took the documents with him into exile.
Later, after the war, the documents returned to Czechoslovakia. But political problems continued. In 1948, the communists took power, and Jan Masaryk died mysteriously that same year. Many people believe he was murdered.
After that, the papers came into the hands of Antonín Šum, who had been close to the Masaryk family. Šum was later put in prison during the communist years but kept the documents hidden.
Finally, in 2005, long after communism had ended, Šum gave the most mysterious item—a sealed envelope—to the Czech National Archive. He gave one condition: the envelope must stay closed for 20 years. That is why it is being opened in September 2025.
Why 19 September 2025?
The exact date, 19 September 2025, is not random. Šum himself chose this date when he gave the envelope to the archive. It is close to the anniversary of Masaryk’s death in September 1937. This makes the moment even more symbolic.
By waiting 20 years, Šum wanted to make sure the country was ready to read Masaryk’s last words without political misuse or conflict. Now, in 2025, the Czech Republic is a free and democratic country, so the time is right.
What Could Be Inside the Envelope?
Nobody knows for sure what is inside the envelope. But historians have some ideas:
- Masaryk’s reflections on life and death. Since the envelope is from the end of his life, it may include his personal feelings about his long journey.
- Thoughts on politics and democracy. Masaryk was deeply worried about the rise of dictatorship in Europe in the 1930s. He may have left warnings for the future.
- Advice for the Czech and Slovak people. As the founding father, he may have wanted to leave a message for the next generations.
- Personal words for his family. It could even be something very private, such as a farewell note to his children.
The mystery makes the envelope even more exciting. People are imagining many different possibilities.
The Opening at Lány Castle
The opening ceremony will take place at Lány Castle, where Masaryk lived in his final years. It is a very symbolic location.
The event will be attended by:
- President Petr Pavel
- Representatives of the Czech National Archive
- Historians and journalists
- Possibly members of the public watching through media coverage
The ceremony will also be streamed by Czech Radio, so everyone can watch the moment live.
Why It Matters Today
The opening of Masaryk’s envelope is not only about history. It is also about today’s world.
- For Czechs and Slovaks: It is a chance to reconnect with their past and honor the founder of their state.
- For Europe: Masaryk’s ideas about democracy, freedom, and human dignity are still very important today, especially in times of global change.
- For historians: The envelope could bring new information that changes how we understand Masaryk and his last years.
Timeline of Events
- 1850: Masaryk is born.
- 1918: Becomes first president of Czechoslovakia.
- 1935: Resigns as president due to health.
- 1937: Dies in Lány.
- 1937–1948: Documents kept by Jan Masaryk.
- 1948: Jan dies; documents go to Antonín Šum.
- 2005: Šum gives envelope to the Czech National Archive, sealed for 20 years.
- 19 September 2025: Envelope will be opened.
Conclusion
The opening of Masaryk’s secret envelope on 19 September 2025 is one of the most awaited events in modern Czech history. For almost a century after his death, people are still curious about the last thoughts of this great leader.
Whether the envelope contains political advice, personal words, or even something unexpected, it will be a powerful reminder of Masaryk’s life and legacy.
He was not only the first president of Czechoslovakia but also a symbol of freedom and democracy. The letter inside the envelope will give today’s world a new connection to him, almost like hearing his voice again after so many years.
On that day, history will open a door to the past, and everyone will be listening.
