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This page was updated October 10, 2008
10-1-08
NCSML at Lindale Opens October 24
Lindale Mall, with its easy to find location, ample parking and regional popularity has become the temporary home for numerous Cedar Rapids businesses and organizations that were displaced by the floods of 2008. We feel very fortunate to have found a space that will serve our current needs and we anticipate plenty of foot traffic as the shopping season revs up!
Formerly a photo studio, the interim location is dubbed NCSML at Lindale. Roughly 3,200 square feet, it provides enough room for an exhibition gallery, event space and museum store. Additionally, NCSML at Lindale will accommodate several staff offices, storage and shipping space.
Preparations for the opening on October 24 are keeping the NCSML staff busy. Curator Stefanie Kohn is assembling artifacts, collection mounts and cases in preparation for our next exhibit, Treasures from an Immigrant Trunk. Museum Store Manager Shirley Rosencrans has been replenishing the inventory of ornaments, books and other treasures popular with shoppers looking for that extra special gift.
Come celebrate the opening on October 24th. Special activities are planned beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will continue on October 25th. Details are forthcoming.
NCSML at Lindale Mall is located at 4444 1st Avenue NE, in the corridor next to Younkers and behind Holley’s Store for Men. Regular hours for NCSML at Lindale are Monday through Saturday 10 – 8 and Sunday 12 – 5.
9-22-08 A Message from Our
President Life changed dramatically on June 13, 2008. But the
positive energy is flowing as we make progress each day and as we plan and
work for the future. I want to take this opportunity to send my grateful
appreciation to everyone who has supported the museum and library in the last
few months. Each of you has contributed immensely to our recovery. The professional staff faced a monumental, unimaginable
task in responding to this disaster and I want to recognize them for their
outstanding work. They have responded tirelessly and creatively to the
immediate demands of stabilizing damaged collections and buildings,
establishing an office in loaned space with donated equipment, raising
emergency relief funds, reorganizing programs at new locations, preparing for
our interim location, NCSML at Lindale and communicating with members and
friends around the world. I am convinced that the NCSML couldn’t have survived
these challenging days without the incredible team that is leading it. This includes the Board of Directors, which has responded
in extraordinary ways. The first board meeting was held even before we were
able to get back inside the buildings. A group of officers met on a weekly
basis to stay on top of our swiftly changing scenario. They offered me
personal support, served meals to the clean-up crew, provided professional
expertise, and donned Tyvek suits and work boots to help with the dirty work.
They continue to work very hard as we plan for full recovery. And where would we be without the NCSML Museum Guild
members and volunteers? So important to the success of our museum in good
times, their help has made a critical difference as we recover from the
flood. They worked by our sides during the muck-out (such an apt
description), helped us regain administrative functions in the office and
organized an extremely successful fundraiser. They continue to answer our
calls for assistance on a daily basis with a cheerful enthusiasm that helps us
all to keep our chins up. From Cedar Rapids, to Chicago, to Prague, people have
responded to our crisis with overwhelming support. We extend our deepest
appreciation to all who helped us prepare for and clean out after the flood.
A task of such enormity would have been impossible without you. To those of
you who have sent donations to help with flood recovery, we send our profound
thanks. This is an unprecedented disaster. Your gifts are helping us to: (1)
pay for flood clean-up (2) replace the loss of earned revenue -- necessary to
maintain operations and (3) maintain our staff so that we can continue to
serve our mission. We have started a scrapbook of letters and notes of
support we have received. It lifts our spirits to read all the well-wishes and
stories of special visits to the museum that have given people such enjoyment
over the years. Dry attendance statistics can’t express the wonderful moments
people remember from time spent at the museum –like a wedding kiss under the
chandelier, the sparkle in the eyes of a third-grader as he learns about life
as an immigrant, the ‘ah-ha’ moment when a visitor understands an important
event in history a little better, or the standing ovation for an exceptional
concert. By sharing your personal stories of the NCSML, all of you keep us
going and give us the confidence that we will come back even stronger than
ever. Like everyone in Cedar Rapids, we want to get back to
“normal.” But this will take time. We want to make the right decisions
regarding the future of our museum. For this reason, we are planning our
recovery from the flood in phases. Literally four days after the flood, we were scheduled to
reveal the latest proposed building design (which followed extensive program
analysis, building needs assessment and public meetings) for an expansion of
the museum and library. By dint of our success, we have outgrown our current
space and those needs have not changed. But how and when we meet those needs
is different in light of the flood. In other words, we know our destination,
but we’re determining the best route. In the next months, the Board of Directors and NCSML
staff will work with federal, state and local officials as rebuilding and
flood control plans for Cedar Rapids are developed. During this time, we will
think carefully and creatively about a building plan that will be exciting and
visionary. Our organization exists to preserve Czech and Slovak
history and culture. Right now, we are in the center of an historic moment
for the NCSML and for Cedar Rapids. We endeavor to make the right decisions
for the future of your museum and library. Please continue to stay engaged as
we continue with our recovery. With grateful appreciation, Gail Naughton 30 July 2008
Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak
Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. 319-362-8500
or
lwilson@ncsml.org
Bazaar to benefit National
Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA –A special Benefit Bazaar is
being held for the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library on Saturday August
9, from 6-9 p.m. in the Kennedy High School cafeteria. The event includes the
music of Leonard Reyman’s Iowa Accordian Club Band, polka lessons, a mini
farmers’ market and bake sale, silent auction, craft sale, door prizes and
food. Master folk artist, Marj Nejdl, will be personalizing Czech Christmas
ornaments.
Tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults
are $10.00, ages 10-20 are $5.00, Ages 9 and under are free. For more
information, please contact Marilyn Tucker at 319-362-7908.
7/25/2008
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA –The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) has launched an initiative to collect flood related stories from local residents and business owners as well as those who have visited the area. Contributors are encouraged to submit their memories of the Czech Village, New Bohemia and the NCSML and their reactions to the area’s recent flooding. Stories and photos may be submitted to myfloodstory@ncsml.org. The initiative is a component of the oral history project currently underway called My Flood Story. Stories collected will become part of the NCSML’s library archives and considered for use by the NCSML in upcoming exhibitions, interpretation, web site, etc. Contributors are encouraged to submit photographs of Czech Village, New Bohemia, and the NCSML before, during, and after the flood. Selected submissions will be posted on the NCSML web site. More information on My Flood Story can be found at www.NCSML.org. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is the leading United States institution collecting, exhibiting, preserving, and interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture. For more information, call (319) 362-8500 or visit the museum's web site, www.NCSML.org. -end- NCSML Flood Update July 23, 2008
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library staff and board continue to work through the challenges of flood recovery. Our five museum buildings are cleaned out and secure. Visitors from across the country have been calling to plan summer visits. Some have already made their way here and are shocked and dismayed to find a sight they never expected - boarded up buildings, sandbars in the garden, and piles of debris. We are assuring them we will survive and be back in business, but it will take time. To us it's surprising there's still a world out there that doesn't know about the flood!
While much effort is still being spent on building and collection recovery issues, we are turning our focus to planning for the future: short-term, mid-term and long-term. Even though we have tightened our belts, with the added costs for professional recovery services and replacing lost revenue, our short-term challenge to maintain an operation through the rest of 2008 is approaching $700,000. That is only this year. A mid-term plan for 2009 is being developed for interim operations, exhibitions and programs that will provide an active museum presence in Cedar Rapids and nationally. We are actively gathering the information we need to develop a budget for 2009, which includes items that are still to be determined, such as a temporary operating location for exhibits, store, library and offices. Meanwhile, we are putting things in place to actively plan and execute a dynamic and exciting rebuilding of the national museum.
The staff had its first meeting after the flood on Thursday, June 12 even before the crest. By June 17, we had contracted with Tallgrass Historians, a professional historical research firm in Iowa, to capture the stories of the 2008 flood victims living and working in the Czech Village and New Bohemia neighborhoods. A professional photographer was in the area during the first weekend after the floods to take pictures and oral history interviews will start shortly and be ongoing for a year. We will first use these materials to develop and mount an exhibition on the flood for the citizens of Cedar Rapids, as well as the world. Our goal is to open this exhibit in 2009. We will then archive these materials for use in research, exhibitions, interpretation, fundraising, communication and other projects yet to be determined.
We are in contact with local, state and federal officials as decisions are discussed on the properties in Czech Village and funding opportunities. We feel it is critical to the long-term recovery of Cedar Rapids to redevelop the historic areas of Czech Village and New Bohemia to preserve the culture and heritage that gives the city its uniqueness and vitality.
We intend to be an active contributor to the rebirth of the Cedar Rapids community. And we intend to serve our national and international constituency of Czechs and Slovaks even better than before. Each day is a new step toward those goals.
With best regards, Gail Naughton July 17, 2008 Contact: Jennifer Mullin / Semonti Mustaphi (202) 224-3254
HARKIN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $115,000 FOR THE NATIONAL CZECH AND SLOVAK MUSEUM AND LIBRARY IN CEDAR RAPIDS
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded $116,699 to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids. The museum, which was heavily damaged during the recent flooding in Cedar Rapids has just begun its rebuilding efforts. Senator Harkin is the Chairman of the Senate panel that funds federal museum and library programs.
“The Czech and Slovak museum is a national treasure and I will do all I can to ensure that they are able to fully recover from the flooding that hit Cedar Rapids,” Harkin said. “People travel from all over the world to visit the museum and this funding will preserve the oral history of our early immigrants.”
Gail Naughton, the Czech and Slovak Museum CEO, said of the funding: “This grant couldn’t come at a better time. The work with our national audience can be done while we are in the process of recovery after the flood. A grant like this, coming at a time like this really gives us the heart to go on.”
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library will use the funding to support Recording Voices and Documenting Memories of Czech- and Slovak-Americans, national oral history project designed to capture the personal and family stories as well as the community history of early immigrants and their decedents.*
*Important Clarification: This grant supports a national oral history and outreach project intended to record the personal stories, family sagas, and community history of political émigrés from Czechoslovakia who settled in Chicago and Cleveland.
Thursday, July 24, the Upbeat! Concert Series presents Leonard Reyman's Iowa Accordian Club Band. A celebrated, local favorite, Reyman's band brings Czech polkas, waltzes and schottisches to an admiring public. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie High School Auditorium, located at 401 76th Ave. S.W. “Music is a great way to bring a community together, and in the wake of the flood, we need each other more than ever,” said NCSML Director of Volunteer and Visitor Services, Patricia Hikiji. “We need to remind each other that we’re still here, and we’re still strong.” Both programs are free and open to the public. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is the leading United States institution collecting, exhibiting, preserving, and interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture. For more information, call (319) 362-8500 or visit the museum's web site, www.NCSML.org.
7-15-08
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Holds First Events Since Flood
CEDAR RAPIDS - The National Czech & Slovak Museum &
Library is holding its first events since last month’s flood. While the
museum’s summer exhibition, “1968: Twelve Volatile Months that Changed the
World,” is now closed, staffers are still planning to host some of the related
programs.
6-28-08
Statement of the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad to the situation in the flood-stricken National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Office for Slovaks Living Abroad as coordinating and executive body of the state administration of the Slovak Republic responsible for development and execution of state policy in terms of care for Slovaks living abroad watches with great discomfort the news on the flood disaster in Iowa. The Office receives information on damage to the notable institution of Czechs and Slovaks in the world – the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library - in Cedar Rapids with utter grief and concern.
The Office for Slovaks Living Abroad esteems deeply the long-term dedicated activity on the part of the staff of the joint museum and library of Czechs and Slovaks who have been for above three decades assembling, protecting and processing precious artifacts, fragments of the richness of our common long past and recent history, with great love and care. These fragments incarnate destinies of thousands of Slovaks and Czechs who have by wisdom and skills played a role in the successful economic development of the New World, have enriched its and our specific and unique culture and have become the builders of bridges of mutual respect, esteem, and understanding.
We consider resuscitation and reopening of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids a matter of our common objective. We believe support of all the involved bodies, organisations, as well as dedicated works of individuals will help the museum and library in Cedar Rapids, despite the unfortunate destiny, to replenish its depositories with precious collections again, re-experience creative activity of the expert staff and busy rush of knowledge-hungry visitors, and go on in the process of attaining its exceptional mission for the benefit of the United States of North America, as well as for Slovakia.
Vilma Privarova Chairperson Office for Slovaks Living Abroad Bratislava 6-26-08 Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Cell: 319-621-3009. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release: Iowa Festival Chorus to Give Disaster Relief Concert for NCSML July 2 CEDAR RAPIDS--The Iowa Festival Chorus, under the direction of Allen Koepke, will present a one-hour concert of American music--spirituals, gospel and folk. The concert was originally scheduled for June 16 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, but will now begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. The church is located at 8300 C Avenue in Marion. Proceeds from at-will donations will benefit the museum as it recovers from the flood of 2008. -end- 6-25-08 Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Cell: 319-621-3009. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Announces Plans to Contribute to NCSML Flood Recovery CEDAR RAPIDS--While speaking to Slovak journalists, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia, Mr. Jan Kubiš expressed sorrow at the extent of the damages that the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library suffered during recent floods. "It is our joint monument," said Kubiš, referring to the museum's important role in preserving the heritage of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. "It is part of our history and that is why we want to contribute to its reconstruction." The specific form or extent of the assistance is not clear yet, but according to Minister Kubiš, the contribution will help the museum to serve its purpose to the fullest extent into the future. -end- 6-24-08 Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Cell: 319-621-3009. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release: Consul General Marek Skolil Tours National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Czech Village CEDAR RAPIDS--The Consul General of the Czech Republic, Marek Skolil toured the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Czech Village today. He was sent as a representative by the Czech government to view the flood destruction. Skolil will report back to Czech government officials in the U.S. and the Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic. Skolil shared the concern and encouragement of the Czech people who suffered similar devastation in 2002 when the Vltava River flooded the city of Prague. Also present was a U.S. correspondent for the Czech News Agency, CTK. -end-
6-23-08 Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release: Czech Government Officials to Visit National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library CEDAR RAPIDS--The Consulate of the Czech Republic in Chicago will visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library on Tuesday, June 24th at 11:00 a.m. to see the flood damage to the museum firsthand. Also present will be U.S. correspondent for the Czech newswire service, CTK. -end-
6-22-08
Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release:
Status of NCSML Collections Better than Expected
Crews of NCSML staff, board members, volunteers and friends old and new have been working non-stop since they were allowed to begin clean-up efforts last Thursday.
Two semi-loads of artifacts were moved to high ground before the flood and many artifacts were moved to attics in the museum and its collections facility. "We moved as much as we could before we were ordered to evacuate," stated President/CEO Gail Naughton. "Of course, along with everyone else around us, we are coping with losses. Nobody predicted a flood of this magnitude."
So far, recovery efforts have focused on 1) removing artifacts from the upper levels that were untouched by flood waters and moving them to a clean, dry and secure location 2) removing flood-affected artifacts to be cleaned and preserved and 3) removing debris from the interior of the building to prepare for sanitization.
By Saturday afternoon, hundreds of artifacts had already been retrieved and were being cleaned and sorted. The Chicago Conservation Center was on-site to help ensure that delicate textiles were properly handled. Wash tubs, drying racks and clotheslines were parked in the museum lot and mud-soaked linens were coming surprisingly clean, thanks to tedious efforts. "People have been working so hard," explained Naughton. "You just can't imagine working in the sludge and smell--and now the dust as things dry out. It's amazing what people will do in a crisis."
Although staff have found interior walls dissolved like wafers and windows shattered by upended desks turned battering rams, they gave examples of some happy surprises. A painted ostrich egg, found in the Museum Store, was sitting completely unharmed in the middle of muddy debris. In the Homelands exhibit, much of the glassware and Royal Dux porcelain were found in upended cases, intact and cushioned by water. Another pleasant finding was an original letter written by the late Reverend Kun, an ordained minister from Bohemia who became the first Protestant preacher in Ely, circa 1860. Staff reported that the letter was a little damp, but in very good shape.
The NCSML Board has been providing staff and volunteers with hearty lunches at the work site to keep energy levels up. "It's hard to be glum when you find something brown that you can eat," joked Jan Stoffer, Director of Operations and Education, referring to the brownies provided for dessert that day. A positive energy prevailed at the museum and smiles and laughter rose above the muck. Work will continue through the next week and those interested in volunteering can call 319-362-8500 to find out where help is needed.
-end-
6-20-08 Flooding in Iowa - Statement of Prime Minister Mirek TopolanekFlooding in Iowa Statement of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolánek
I learned with great concern about the devastating flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the building of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is located. I was alarmed by the news that the collections and materials of the NCSML, which has been in such a tremendous way contributing to the maintenance of Czech and Slovak heritage in the United States, are in danger.
I was relieved that everyone at the NCSML was safe. My thoughts of support are with Gail Naughton, President and CEO of the NCSML, her staff, their families, and all people affected by this disaster.
6-18-08
Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org. For immediate release: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Establishes Flood Relief Fund
CEDAR
RAPIDS—The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Flood Relief Fund was
established on Tuesday, allowing members and friends of the museum to help
cover the costs of flood related damage not covered by insurance and other
resources. 6-18-08
Contact: Leah Wilson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: 319-362-8500. Email: lwilson@ncsml.org.
For immediate release:
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Gets First Glimpse of Destruction On Tuesday afternoon National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library staff were allowed inside their flood ravaged museum buildings after record flooding on the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At its crest on Friday, June 13, 15 ft. of water surrounded the buildings. The destruction in the main building was massive, said Gail Naughton, President/CEO, “but we were relieved to find our Czech crystal chandelier intact, all 401 lbs and 600 Bohemian crystals.” Staff found an inch or more of gooey mud on the floors, broken windows, busted out doors, heavy furniture flipped upside down and walls blown out. “The power of the water and current it took to do this kind of damage is unimaginable,” added Naughton. The main building was deemed structurally safe to enter but an architectural and engineering analysis will follow at a later time to fully assess the condition of the building.
Staff and a few volunteers were able to do a preliminary assessment of the condition of collections that were left behind. Many books and artifacts were removed before the flooding, but many were put up high and may have survived intact.
At the time
of this writing (Wednesday, June 18, 2008) access to the museum site has been
denied by the city who are not allowing anyone into the Czech Village area due
to unsafe conditions.
6-18-08
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Cedar Rapids, Iowa NCSML.org
A statement from Gail Naughton, President/CEO National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (local)
News coverage of this week’s events has demonstrated to the world the indomitable spirit of eastern Iowans. Our local community of Czechs, many of whom live in neighborhoods surrounding Czech Village or whose families settled in southwest Cedar Rapids generations ago, have endured countless losses. Our hearts go out to them and to everyone in the Cedar Rapids community who is coping with outcomes of the disaster.
The staff of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library does not yet know the extent of the damage to the Museum and we will not know for some time. We were able to remove many items from the collection to safety before flood waters came. The board and staff are holding emergency meetings to begin coordination of our plans for disaster recovery.
We have received messages of support and concern from Czechs, Slovaks, and museum members around the country and the world. It is gratifying to know their hearts are touched by what is happening here in our community. Thanks to 21st century communications, Czechs in Prague and Slovaks in Bratislava are quite aware of what is happening in Cedar Rapids and to their Museum.
The Czech and Slovak peoples have endured many devastating events in their history and have survived to become stronger. Iowa is filled with the strength of those who settled here and built the Cedar Rapids community. The museum will rise again from above the flood waters to continue as the touchstone for Czech and Slovak cultural heritage in the United States.
Callers will not be able to reach the Museum through our listed telephone number. For the latest information on the Museum go to the Museum’s website WWW.NCSML.org which will be periodically updated.
6-18-08
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Cedar Rapids, Iowa NCSML.org
A statement from Gail Naughton, President/CEO National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (international)
To our Czech and Slovak friends around the world.
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has been dealt a devastating blow with the massive flooding in Cedar Rapids. The museum buildings are surrounded by more than 10 feet of water up to the roof, which is rushing with such great force boats cannot get near. It is a flood of historic proportions, beyond any imagining. I want to assure our members and friends that everyone at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is safe. We were able to remove two semi truck loads of artifacts and books to safety, but we were unable to remove everything before we were told to leave. We will not know the full extent of the damage until we are able to get inside, which may be over a week. The museum staff and board of directors are already meeting to plan for disaster recovery and professional help is coming from across the country to advise and assist us.
I have received an outpouring of concern, support and love from across the United States and around the world. I want to thank everyone for these messages, which are so treasured by us as we go through these difficult days. Many have asked how they can help. At this point we don’t know. When we do, we will ask, because we will need the help of everyone in the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library family and Czechs and Slovaks worldwide to survive this.
Czechs and Slovaks have endured many devastating events in their history with an indomitable spirit. The United States is filled with the strength of those Czechs and Slovaks who settled here and built the nation.
A museum is more than a building, it exists in the hearts and souls of people. The treasured heritage of the Czechs and Slovaks will continue to be preserved as we triumph and rebuild the museum and library.
Callers will not be able to reach the Museum through our telephone number at this time. For the latest information go to the Museum’s website www.NCSML.org which will be periodically updated. As soon as phone service is restored, we will post it here.
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