Important Announcement from the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
June 14, 2008
From Gail Naughton, President/CEO
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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. At the crest, the museum buildings were surrounded by more than 15 feet of water, which is flowing with such great force that 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. The museum staff and board of directors are already meeting to plan for disaster recovery and professional help is coming 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, and 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.
This exemplifies what we all know--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.
For more information, go to the Museum's website www.NCSML.org for regular updates. When the organization's telephone service is restored, that number will be posted on the website.
Richard Pavlasek is a founding
member of
the Travis-Williamson Counties Czech
Heritage Society and a Director of the
Texas Polka Music Museum. He was
President of the Travis-Williamson Counties Czech Heritage Society for four
years.
