A Message from NCSML President and CEO, Dr. Cecilia Rokusek

We recognize that COVID-19 has created a “New Normal” for all of us. At your National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, we have worked hard to be a source of information for our members during this unprecedented time, while looking out, first and foremost, for the health and well-being of our members, staff, and visitors. It is with this mindset that as the city, state, and country move to “reopen,” our doors will remain closed a little longer so when we do reopen, it is with the highest level of health and safety measures that align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

We are finalizing procedures for a variety of health and safety issues, including the training of our staff and volunteers, in response to COVID-19 that will allow the public to reenter our building for exhibits, events, and programs. In addition, we will increase the frequency of our cleaning of hard surfaces beyond our normal routines, particularly focusing on common contact points like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails. We have established a protocol for all who visit. This will include wearing a mask, which will be provided if you do not have one.

We are planning for an opening in Mid-June. In the first week of opening, it will be for members only. We look forward to seeing everyone. Even though we cannot hug or shake hands for now, there will be a day when we again can.

We are eager to welcome the public to NCSML after our first week of member opening. We have new exhibits and great new items in our Museum Store. Please check our website and social media platforms for the latest information.

Best wishes,
Cecilia Rokusek, Ed.D., M.Sc., RDN
President and CEO

7 Comments. Leave new

  • bill Patterson
    April 21, 2020 11:59 AM

    You nourish my roots. Thank you for your work.
    bill Patterson of the Melsha-Vavra clans.

    Reply
  • Carolyn Wilson
    May 5, 2020 10:26 AM

    Could someone put perhaps an artifact each day and just show it and tell what it is? I see that the CR History is doing something called “Adult Show and Tell” I’m sure NCSML would have lots of things that could be shown. I’m thinking of items that would perhaps go in your showcases and then information about them—-what it is, how it was used, is there a tradition connected with it, etc?

    Reply
  • Dr. Rokusek
    May 5, 2020 4:25 PM

    Thank you, Carolyn! We are planning to do this. Have you seen our online collection? Also please see our YouTube programs. We have over 700 of them. Keep in touch. We appreciate your comments!

    Reply
  • Mary Nrockschink
    May 5, 2020 6:22 PM

    Are you planning to extend the dates on any of your exhibits? I was fortunate to be able to attend the Heritage Caretakers of Moravia opening & wanted to see it again at a more leisurely pace.

    Reply
    • Hello Mary,
      Unfortunately, due to loan agreements on upcoming exhibit materials, Heritage Caretakers of Moravia will not be extended. It’s very unfortunate to have had such a short duration, but we are glad you were able to see it at it’s opening. The creator of the exhibit, Sonya Darrow, has created a great video series highlighting the exhibit. You can find that on our YouTube channel at this direct link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXmjHwQITE186tQ-LQ53jGNBtXMIATJn6.
      Thank you,
      Michelle

      Reply
  • Cecelia and all…thanks so much for continuing communication. So important. I have relished Cecelia’s daily updates and forwarded them to many. I appreciate your care and caution and look forward to one day volunteering again at NCSML…

    Reply

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