MOST[MOST: The Bridge ] Volume 21 • Number 2 Fall-Winter 2011

Historic Move Completed mid confetti cannons, a champagne foundation. On Tuesday, June 21, with christening and hundreds of well the assistance of dump loads of rock, metal Awishers, the flood-damaged building plates, a track hoe and a large towing truck, of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & the building’s historic trek concluded. Library began its journey across the street “Our thanks is extended to FEMA who on Wednesday, June 8. With the museum funded this hazard mitigation project for the webcams and local media live streaming move of the building,“ said President/CEO to viewers around the globe, Patterson Gail Naughton. “Along with many others, Structural Movers of Washington, Iowa, they have helped the Museum & Library orchestrated the slow crawl. The goal of take a major step in its recovery. It has been moving the building 480 feet to the former three years since the disaster. We’ve come so Roundhouse location just across A Street far but continue to look forward to a new and positioning it parallel with the new museum future that promises a modern and foundation would not be realized for interactive story of Czechs and Slovaks and several days. the experiences we all share.” Continual rain created soft, muddy ground During July the building was elevated that slowed the progress, but 10 days later, another 12 feet, then slid on top of the during a break in the drizzle, the famous new foundation/parking garage. Masonry pivot of the building finally occurred. With workers are now adding brick and mortar to the river side of the structure now in view, the outside of the building and the 30,000 just 100 feet remained to reach the new sq. ft. expansion will continue into 2012. . . . FROM OUR PRESIDENT . . . to the NCSML, reinforcing our . . strategy to make our museum . . matter to groups that are not . . core visitors now. . As the tech-savvy gener- . Officers . ations request new ways of . Sue Plotz Olson, Chair . participation, we will develop . Lu Barta Barron, Vice Chair . innovative methods of engaging . and holding interest while Rich Mitvalsky, Secretary . Neil Havlik, Treasurer . still delivering our mission. . Bernard Drahozal, . “What young people want Assistant Treasurer . . from museums is interactive, Gary Rozek, Past Chair . immersive and participatory . . e are a museum on activities,” the AAM report Board of Directors . the move — not only . goes on to say. “They want Christopher Blake . bricks and mortar, . W to be more than outside Terri Christoffersen . but mission and vision as observers looking in.” We Tom DeBoom . . well. While wheels have need to provide more hands- Denver Dvorsky, Czech . been rolling across roads . on opportunities while still Heritage Fdn. Representative . and concrete foundations, Marilee Fowler, Ex-officio . serving the interest and needs . the board and staff have been of all population groups both — President/CEO, Cedar . moving forward with a new Rapids Area Convention & . young and young-at-heart. . mission and vision, which set Visitors Bureau . These insights and many . the inspirational foundation Carey Downs Gibson . other factors are being Tony Golobic* . for the future. Culturally . considered as we prepare for Melvin Holubar, Museum . specific museums must prepare the future of our museum and . for the future. We all share Guild Representative . library. We have delved into Hilery Livengood . the challenges of reaching out . the meaning of the Czech and Janelle McClain . to a broader audience, while . Slovak experience, bringing to Ann Poe . serving our core constituents. the surface the commonalities Jim Sattler . . This also presents an oppor- and differences that make Marvin Smejkal . tunity as we embrace change . it such a rich historical and Dyan Smith . — in demographics, in cultural resource for Czechs Jitka Šonková . . communication, in visitor and Slovaks themselves, Tom Stanczyk . . expectations. but also for people of all Robert Vancura . The American Association backgrounds. These deeply Craig Van Dyke . . of Museums (AAM) recently rooted values are the base for Doug Wenzel . . published a report titled articulating the museum and *Active Sept. 2011 . . Demographic Transformation library’s distinctive vision, . and the Future of Museums. National Advisory Board . which will serve as the platform . They examined the demo- Dr. Madeleine Albright . for impactful exhibitions, . graphic trends that will Dr. Willard L. Boyd . programs and resources. . impact museums so actions We plan to provide the Ms. Christine Branstad . can be made now to prepare Mr. William and . public with meaningful experi- . and adapt. It states, “Sometime Mrs. Catherine Cabaniss . ences that are personally . between 2040 and 2050 Captain Eugene Cernan . relevant, significant and Mr. Miloš Forman . …current U.S. minority enduring — that may even . groups — including those Dr. Sally Mason . change lives. All of us who . who identify themselves as Mr. Michael Novak . make up the NCSML family Mr. Peter Sis . multi-racial — will collectively . have embraced dramatic Mr. Herb Sklenar . become the new majority in change over the past three . Mr. Martin Votruba . the United States.” years. So I’m confident that . At the Building Museums His Excellency Peter Burian, . together, we can do anything! Ambassador of the Slovak . Conference in San Francisco, Moving the building is a great Republic . . it was noted that “culturally achievement but riding those PhDr. Michal Lukeš, The . . specific museums that wheels into an inspiring National Museum in . attempt to reach across . future is even more exciting. . established group boundaries The NCSML is funded in part . by a grant from the Cultural . and explore similarities and Sincerely, . Enrichment Partnership Program . differences between groups administered by the Iowa . are breaking new ground.” Department of Cultural Affairs. . . These discussions have . . been particularly relevant Gail Naughton www.NCSML.org 2 FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS From our Board Chair ello friends — is there any better christened the voyage from high above. joy than a warm summer morning? Slowly, oh so slowly, but oh so steadily, HA morning filled with promise, with the red-roofed building rolled north. friends (with coffee!)? — YES! There is So many of you were witnesses to the something better! excitement either at the site, through live Add the successful cameras on the website, or via television northbound roll of news and newspapers. our treasured museum I’d love to hear your thoughts and I building and you get a know Gail and her staff would as well. perfect day!! Wednesday, Savvy social-media types might post on June 8, 2011, is etched our Facebook page or tweet their memories. in history as a momentous Another great way to share is to send me milestone in our recovery. an email at [email protected] — The world watched as I’ll be sure to pass it on. This is the we stretched out the drama. (Well, actually, recovery of your museum and I’m eager Mother Nature stretched it out with a little to hear from you! lightning which delayed us for a few minutes.) I know, I know…crazy hard rain Sincerely, interfered with completing the process but that doesn’t take anything away from the exuberant celebration as the confetti cannons blasted and Gail Naughton Sue Olson

Inspiring Direction fter months of discussion, idea sharing MISSION and suggestions, the board of directors We inspire people from every unanimously approved a new mission, background to connect to Czech A and Slovak history and culture. vision and strategic plan in April. This new road map will vault NCSML through 2011 to 2015 to provide more excitement and VISION engagement in the organization. We are a museum that celebrates life. Czech life. Slovak life. American life. The plan puts special emphasis on serving We are a museum that encourages national audiences via programs, travel and self-discovery, a museum that asks online access, while continuing to be a vital what it means to be free. Through part of the cultural fabric of Cedar Rapids extraordinary exhibitions and and Iowa. Visitors and guests will find experiences, we tell stories of freedom more programs, more education and more and identity, family and community, involvement in the culture and history of human rights and dignity. Our stories Slovaks and Czechs. This rich historical and connect yesterday with today and cultural resource has relevance for people of tomorrow. all backgrounds, which inspires our mission for the future.

Goal I . . . . Open a world-class museum and library in 2012

S Goal II . . . . Be the leading educational resource in the United States on the history and culture of the

L Czechs and Slovaks Goal III . . . Engage diverse nation-wide audiences A Goal IV . . . Provide visitors with an inspiring, participatory experience O Goal V . . . . Grow current and add new resources to ensure

G our future as a thriving institution

3 www.NCSML.org NEWS & EVENTS International Prize Awarded n July, Gail Naughton, president/CEO, was John Palka, grandson notified that the Museum & Library was of Milan Hod ža, Iawarded the Prize of Milan Hodža by the nominated the current prime minister of Slovakia. Hodža Museum & Library was the prime minister of for the Milan Hod ža during the First Republic. As a proponent of recognition. regional integration, he was famous for his attempts to establish a democratic federation the first winner of the award. Committee of Central European states. He was a highly members who awarded the prize are from revered journalist and politician. Slovakia Slovakia; the nomination was made by John has Milan Hodža Days in his honor. Palka, Hodža’s grandson. This year, the board decided to present an Milan Hodža served as the leader of award/prize for activities in the public arena, Czechoslovakia from 1935 to 1938 and not necessarily political activity, but for in Dec. 1935 as the acting president of promoting the visibility of Slovakia on the Czechoslovakia. During World War I, Milan international stage. The National Czech & Hodža was involved in the preparations for Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids is the creation of Czechoslovakia.

Wetlands, Weather & Waste Four organizations will team up on Saturday, Tour participants will then travel by motor Oct. 15, to present an informa-tional tour coach and listen to Educator Jason Evans that has never been presented regarding of Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste wetlands, water management, climate Management. He will discuss the 2008 change and waste management. This decision to reopen the landfill, waste educational tour, “Watershed Event,” management, and how adaptive reuse of buildings could have offset the amount of landfill debris. Upon arrival in Czech Village, participants will receive a guided tour of the exhibition, Rising Above: The Story of a People and the Flood , from Jan Stoffer, NCSML director of education and visitor services, followed by a guided tour of Czech Village. Her presentation will give tour participants information about disaster preparedness and recovery. She will also discuss urban will begin at the Indian Creek Nature Center flooding and mitigation as it relates to with Meteorologist Kaj O’Mara from KCRG-TV historic neighborhoods, along with the speaking about climate change, weather museum’s recovery process and possible patterns, and how the winter of 2007 and LEED certification. wet spring of 2008 contributed to the June floods. Then, Naturalist Jan Aiels The tour will begin at 9 a.m. To register for will discuss the importance of wetlands, the Watershed Event, call the Museum Store water management, and how the Nature at 319-362-8500. Tickets are $8 for NCSML or Center has hardened its historic barn to ICNC members and $12 for future members. protect it from future floods. Seating is limited.

Correction: The Spring/Summer edition of MOST listed the Lipa Slovak Folk Dancers as being from St. Paul, MN; the correct location of the dancers is Minneapolis, MN. www.NCSML.org 4 NEWS & EVENTS Tours for All Learners This past spring, the NCSML and the Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC) partnered with the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) to offer all seventh graders a tour of the museum and the nature center. The school district secured funding from Hills Bank to provide transportation and admission to the Nature Center. Admission to the NCSML was provided by AEGON Transamerica Foundation and Rockwell Collins.

Approximately 1,200 students and their teachers learned about wetlands, urban stumbled upon the tours. One such visitor flooding, and flood mitigation strategies. asked why this type of program was not While giving these tours, docents and available to the general public, and shortly museum educators at both locations were thereafter a new program “Watershed Event” overheard and observed by visitors who was planned (see page four).

More than $300,000 in Major Grants Received Two grants totaling $322,351 have been in New York City and those who came received by the National Czech & Slovak following the Velvet Revolution in 1989. It Museum & Library. A grant of $175,000 will focus on individual stories from those has been awarded from the National who settled in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for Florida and the San Francisco Bay Area. preserving and accessing the library and Humanities Iowa has also awarded a grant artifact collections. In essence this grant to the NCSML for $7,626 to support a new will support preservation of the NCSML project, “Presenting the Stories of the humanities collections after the 2008 Czech and Slovak Cold War-era Emigres.” flood, assisting in cataloging and housing These programs will be given in Iowa City, them and providing support for relocation Grinnell, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids and to the new museum and library. will feature video segments taken from A second grant, from the Institute of interviews, followed by discussions led Museum & Library Services (IMLS), totaling by humanities scholars. Another grant $147,351 will extend the oral history award of $5,000 from the Community Fund project currently underway at the NCSML. of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation complements this project This grant will be used to interview immi- by providing funding for the interview grants who arrived during the Cold War-era footage.

Cooking in Babi’s Kitchen, Oct. 8 Sauerkraut. It takes a long time to make, so make this tasty ingredient shine. Sauerkraut you might as well make a lot. But, what to as an ingredient? Sure, why not! do with all that ‘kraut? Even the most avid fan may look for other options and ways to On Saturday, Oct. 8, learn how to incorporate sauerkraut into some soon-to-be family favorites. Join Joyce Netolicky and Zelda De Houdt for “Kraut Cuisine” and discover some new applications for this versatile food. Bring a friend or neighbor to St. Ludmila’s Catholic Church, in the lower level, from 10 – noon. There is no cost for this unique opportunity for good lessons, good company, and good eats. Cooking in Babi’s Kitchen is supported by United Fire Group.

5 www.NCSML.org NEWS & EVENTS Save for the Holidays at Museum Store Member & Volunteer Open House Marj Nejdl will be in the store personalizing ornaments on the following days and times: Thursday, Nov. 17th • 4 – 7 p.m. Members and volunteers receive an extra Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.; 20% off this one night only. Light Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, from refreshments will be served. Free gift 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. In December, Marj wrapping available. Marj Nejdl will will be in the store the 3rd, 10th personalize ornaments for a and 17th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. small fee. Personalization is priced from $3 to $6 and ornaments can Jewelry Sale be personalized any day of Nov. 18 through Nov. 26 the week, including year- All jewelry will be 20% off. round. Please allow four Store hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to seven days for personal- ization. Free ground shipping Ornament Sale is available on all purchases Purchase three ornaments at from Nov. 25 – Dec. 13. regular price and get the 4th ornament of equal or lesser value free Corporate Member Special from Nov. 18 – Dec. 24. Members receive All corporate members and their employees 10% discount on the regular price will receive a 20% discount (books not ornaments. See the Midwest’s largest display included) plus their 10% member discount of mouth-blown ornaments from the Czech from Nov. 7 – 23, on all purchases. Enjoy Republic and Slovakia. Each ornament is gift free gift wrapping and light refreshments. boxed individually. Hot Cider and pastries will be available daily. Free gift wrapping Watch for emails and fliers for new special is available. merchandise during the holiday season.

Beer Products are Back Meet Author Shop early for that beer Linda Wostrel aficionado as the Museum Saturday, Nov. 19 Store is now stocked with products from the Glassworks “This biographical story with more & Brewery in Harrachov, Czech than 250 historic photos will take Republic. Those gift ideas you back to an era when families include beer shampoo, beer got together in the 1880s – 1940s soap, beer shower gel and to have a good time. It was the best beer after shave balm. The place on earth.” shampoo is priced at $17.95, —Bertha Boelter while the soap is $12.95.

A new item added this year Author Linda Wostrel of Omaha, NE, is cherry kolá cˇe lip balm with SPF15 now will appear at the Museum Store manufactured in the U.S. For those on your for a book signing of her recently list who crave the delicate Czech-Slovak pastry, published, Oak View Park, Pinnacle try the cherry kolá cˇe lip balm, priced at $3. of a Czech Legacy. The book is about the small community of Verdigre, NE, in the 1880s to 1940s and the Get the Latest Pospeshil and Vostrel families of Send us your email address to receive Shueyville, IA. updates of museum activities, programs From 1 – 3 p.m. she will speak and store specials. with visitors and autograph her Call Lindsey Buchheit 319-362-8500 or book. There is no charge to attend. email her at [email protected] www.NCSML.org 6 NEWS & EVENTS

Exhibition Continues Embellished folk costumes, ornate crystal, Royal Dux porcelain and more come together at the vibrant exhibition Treasures from the National Collection at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art that continues through March 2012. This exhibit, supported by a gift from Ed Hemphill, celebrates the most beloved objects within the NCSML collection. And not to be missed is the colorful glass and famous silk-screen. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is located at 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Admission to the art museum and this exhibit is free to NCSML members.

Old Prague Christmas Market and gallery attendees. Admission to the exhibition gallery is free to everyone thanks to a generous sponsorship from Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre. Food and merchandise booths will be open from 5 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, the market and the museum open at 9 a.m. Most of Friday night’s attractions return Saturday. Meet Svatý Mikuláš, And eˇl, a Cˇert as they venture It may be a little early yet but, in the through Czech Village. Children and adults distance there’s a jingle of sleigh bells. And alike can learn how to create traditional that means planning for the 2011 Old Prague holiday decorations Christmas Market is underway. Sponsored by at an all day make- GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation, activities and-take holiday take place Dec. 3 & 4. Additionally, the craft workshop in much anticipated arrival of Svatý Mikuláš, the Kosek Building ˇ And eˇl, a Cert will be celebrated. Classroom.

Friday night festivities begin at 5 p.m., The Annual Cookie followed by the Czech Village Christmas Walk sponsored by tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Decorated the NCSML Guild windows will delight shoppers as they stroll will take place at St. Wenceslaus Catholic 16th Avenue and vote for their favorite Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday design! A horse-drawn wagon will transport morning. A quaint trolley takes shoppers visitors through historic Czech Village. from the market to the church and back Tasty food and toasty warm beverages will during the Cookie Walk’s hours. In the be available. Fire juggler Dean Franzen afternoon, the trolley shuttles shoppers returns to entertain the crowd. between the Cherry Building’s Very Cherry This year, popular vendors as well as new Christmas Open House and the Market. merchants will set up along the Avenue and Old Prague Christmas Market closes at 5 p.m. in a tented area at the corner of A Street A complete schedule of events will be and 16th Avenue SW. The NCSML’s Kosek posted on the NCSML’s website. Building will be open late for shoppers

7 www.NCSML.org GET INVOLVED! SUPPORT. Bring a Friend and Start Volunteering As the NCSML focuses on rebuilding, we Museum Store volunteers are are also looking toward the future in the personable, friendly, outgoing folks. new facility. Expanded programs, tours, While retail experience is appreciated, and an intensified focus on mission it is not required. Volunteers are needed delivery all necessitate new volunteers. during all hours of operation, Monday – There are many ways to get involved: Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shifts are three to four hours long. Gallery attendants assist visitors to the exhibition gallery by answering questions and helping with simple audio/visual displays. As the exhibition is largely self-guided, attendants are not required to give a guided tour. Gallery attendants are needed during all hours of operation, Monday – Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shifts are typically three to four hours.

Education docents are special volunteers who give guided tours of the exhibition gallery to a specific touring audience, typically school children visiting the NCSML as part of a school study trip. Occasionally, docents are asked to lead students in an activity, including: teaching a craft, reading a story, dancing, working with puppets, etc. Docents are called on an as-needed basis to assist with a previously scheduled tour. School study trips tend to occur between the hours of 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and last one Administrative assistants prefer a to two hours, depending upon the group. behind-the-scenes role. A lot happens out The busiest months for student study of the public eye. Assistants are needed trips are March – early-June and to answer the phone, do light office September – October. work, and may manage special projects on Monday through Friday afternoons from noon – 4 p.m.

Financial assistants have a penchant for numbers and posses a keen attention to detail. The NCSML’s director of finance may be able to use your help in managing some of the day-to-day activities in her office. This position offers flexibility in hours from Monday – Friday.

Volunteers can begin helping right away Czech Village guides present the history at our 87 16th Ave SW location in Czech of Czech Village with a tour lasting 45 – Village. Those trained now will have the 60 minutes, in conjunction with a gallery opportunity to continue volunteering in tour. As with the education docents, the new expanded facility, opening in Czech Village guides are called on an as- 2012, as there will be an increased need needed basis to assist with a previously for volunteer support in the larger space. scheduled tour. School study trips tend to If you are interested in learning more occur between the hours of 9 a.m. – 2:30 about volunteerism at the NCSML, please p.m., and last two hours (two tours of contact Jan Stoffer at [email protected] or the Avenue), depending upon the group. by calling 319.362.8500 ext. 218. www.NCSML.org 8 CONNECTIONS Know our Honorary Consuls

. n the last two years, the . Museum and Library has . . traveled to 21 states in . I . order to better serve our . national audience. We’ve . . met hundreds of passionate . . people, and among them are . those who’ve responded to a . . special calling — honorary . . consuls. . These special people serve . . without pay to support and . . promote the country they . represent and to assist its . . citizens, promote trade and . . foster a broader under- . standing and appreciation . Don Pafko (l) with NCSML board chairman Sue Olson at . of the country’s culture. . the museum’s groundbreaking ceremony last year. Honorary consuls often . . them to invest in the Slovak . Embassy in Washington D.C., help with consular services. . . “We extend the reach of the . business community.” . photographic works by . . Embassy and the Consulates . Of particular interest to . Kansas City artist, Lynette . the NCSML are the cultural . Darling Ubel and wood block General and can provide . . some of the same services . efforts of honorary consuls. . prints by Czech artist Marek . . that are offered,” says . The NCSML is expanding . Hofman — loaned from . its role as a resource and . the NCSML. Barbara Pivnicka, Slovak . . honorary consul serving . is finding more ways to . “We did attract the Czech . . California. “We act as ‘first . collaborate. One way is to . and Slovak community… . provide artifacts and other . and also people in the city, responders’ to inquiries from . . the expat community, Slovak . resources for events and . so they were able to learn . . business people, visitors . exhibitions. . more about the art and . Sharon Valasek, Czech . culture of these countries and students, and we also . . respond to U.S. citizens who . honorary consul based in . and develop a better . . have questions about the . Kansas City, shared her . appreciation,” Valasek said. . excitement for “Czech & . Who are the Slovak and Slovak Republic.” . . Donald Pafko, Slovak . Slovak Illustrations and Art,” . Czech honorary consuls in . . honorary consul for the . an event held on August 5 . your area? Visit the embassy . at the Buttonwood Art Space . websites to find out: State of Minnesota, described . . how he facilitates business . in Kansas City. Valasek . Honorary Consuls of . . partnerships: “We promote . partnered with Slovak . the Slovak Republic: . Honorary Consul Ross Marine . www.mzv.sk/washington foreign investment by . . working with the Minnesota . on the event which featured . Honorary Consuls of . . Trade Office to establish . award-winning illustrations . the : . on loan from the Slovak . www.mzv.cz/washington connections and encourage . .

Czech & Slovak Illustrations and Art n loan from the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library to an August exhibition Oat the Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City were a series of colorful wood block prints by the Czech artist Marek Hofman. The prints depict scenes from Mozart’s operas with each illustrating a pivotal scene to create a meta-illusion of Mozart’s operative oeuvre. Hofman is a graduate of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague and describes himself as an illustrator. President/CEO Gail Naughton assisted with the opening of the exhibition on August 5.

9 www.NCSML.org CONNECTIONS Iron Artifacts . . ron pieces are made in . . the Komárov region of the . Czech Republic, which is . I . located about 30 miles west . of Prague. This area has a . . long tradition of iron . . working, beginning as far . back as 1460. In the 19th . . century, the backbone of . . production consisted of cast . iron kitchenware, stoves and . ornamental casting used in the construction industry. Numerous art castings from the works at Komárov may be seen on Prague bridges, lamp posts on Hrad cˇany Square, and the famed Hanavský pavilion (Hanava Pavilion) in Letná, built for the 1891 Jubilee Royal Exhibition. Today, the foundry is again producing ornamental iron, using the original molds and 19th century technology. These items were donated to the Museum and Library by the Mitas Tire Company, which recently opened a factory in Charles City, Iowa. Mitas is part of a conglomerate of Czech firms that includes the iron works foundry.

www.NCSML.org 10 CONNECTIONS Moving Similarities . . . . wo buildings in two . dedicated by three national . color schemes of the Most different countries and . presidents in 1995, would be . church and the NCSML . . Ta common experience . moved and elevated. With . are very similar and both describe the relationship . the help of the Federal . structures were moved with . . between a church in Most, . Emergency Management . hydraulic dollies. And lastly, . . in the northwest area of . Agency and a $4.1 million . the church in Most also the Czech Republic, and the . grant, the 1400-ton museum . serves as a museum, in . . NCSML in Cedar Rapids, IA. . was, like the church in . addition to being a concert . . The story begins in September . Most, relocated. Although . and wedding hall. “I’m so of 1975, when the 500-year- . no minerals or mines were . proud of the people of Cedar . . old Church of the Assumption . found beneath its soil, . Rapids and Iowa who decided . . of the Virgin Mary (in what . the NCSML building was . to save this wonderful was then Czechoslovakia) . moved for flood mitigation . museum. And just like the . . was elevated and relocated . purposes. . Czech citizens so many . . 3,000 feet. . But there are other . decades ago, they believe At the time, the 12,000- . similarities the two buildings . in preservation through . . ton structure was the heaviest . share. Obviously, both were . relocation,” said Lee. building ever moved on . built by Czech people; the . . . wheels. Although it never . . . . experienced a flood or . . disaster, it was built on . . . . top of a bed of coal. In fact, . . . . the entire town was built . . on top of a huge coal mine. . . . . Government officials knew . . . . the opportunity for obtaining . . the rich energy source was . . . . vital to progress. They also . . . . determined that the church . . could and should be saved, . . . . but the rest of the city of . . Most was razed. . . . . The church structure is . . . . one of the finest examples . . of late medieval Bohemian . . . . Gothic architecture. Prior to . . . . the move, it brought social . . and religious vitality to . . . . the community. Bill Lee . . . . of Arnold, Missouri, who . . wrote his master’s thesis . . . . at Missouri State University . . . . on the historic move of the . . Most Church, noted, “The . . . . building was saved and . . moved primarily because . . . . of its historically important . . . . architecture and the unique . . interior. It has plastered . . . . sandstone walls, brick . . . . vaulted ceilings and a . . clay tiled roof.” . . . . Fast forward to June . . A historical church in Most in . . 2008, when the young . . the Czech Republic was moved National Czech & Slovak . . in 1975 to allow for coal . . Museum & Library takes in . . mining. Its steep red roof . . and vaulted ceilings are similar eight feet of water during . . the Epic Flood that cripples . . to the National Czech & Slovak . . Museum & Library. its mission and program- . . . . ming abilities. After much . . discussion, thought and . . . . review, the board of directors . . determined that the viable . . . . yet historic building, . . 11 www.NCSML.org A 4

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9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. d a 7 e C 8 Closed Sunday N Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Open Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Czech Girl Designs First UNICEF Card

nited Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund known as UNICEF Ubegan helping children around the world after WWII when European children were experiencing famine and disease. Created in 1946, the organization has helped millions of children survive by providing food, clothing and health care. Beginning in 1949 UNICEF created Christmas cards to raise funds. The first charity card was designed by a seven- year-old girl from what was then Czechoslovakia. Her community of Rudolfo received assistance from the Czechoslovakian Jitka Samkov á organization and young artist Jitka created the first UNICEF Christmas card utilizing a Samkov á wanted to express her gratitude. sheet of glass as there was no paper available to Jitka’s teacher entered the painting into her in 1949. It depicts children around a maypole the card design competition. and in Jitka’s words, “joy going round and round.”

This issue of MOST is generously sponsored by:

319.378.1312 Hiawatha, IA 52233