Abstract
In the first part of this study the author defines terms such as historic memory, myths, symbols, elite representation. Afterwards he analyses 18 personalities who are included in both National album (J.
R. Vilímek, 1899) and a national-wide public opinion poll called '100 Greatest Czechs', a TV programme released in 2005. He concludes that 19th century is still able to take an important part in the mentality of the present Czechs, but we can see also same differences in the importance construction of 19th century personalities between the years 1899 and 2005.