Hello friends,

I am so proud of my Czech heritage, which my parents taught me to honor and preserve. In their memory, my wife Cathy and I have pledged to always support the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, because I know the NCSML will perpetuate the important lessons my parents taught me.

If we don’t invest in teaching it to young people, how will history stay alive?

Last year, I told you about the NCSML’s educational partnership with two immersive, hands-on learning high school programs to create Guts & Glory: The War Train that Shaped a Nation. High school students helped build the exhibition’s replica train cars and produced a virtual reality experiences for visitors.

The focal point of our 2019 high school education programming will center on the construction of a replica of the Berlin Wall.

Students will learn the history of the fall of communism in 1989 and its global repercussions.One of the participating teachers said of this project’s impact:

Working on ‘Revolution Starts in the Street’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to connect with the global community through interdisciplinary, collaborative work. Students are excited to have an opportunity to immerse themselves in history and  explore how youth and art culture has played a part in social and political revolutions throughout the world. Throughout this experience students will earn school credit while getting mentored and collaborating with museum professionals.

I know you believe in the importance of history. I do, too. And if the NCSML doesn’t share these stories, and inspire future generations to connect with them, then who will?

So, how can you help? Please join me and make a gift today by giving online at NCSML.org/ support. I’m matching 100 percent of every donation to the NCSML in February and March, up to a total of $10,000.