Members of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library receive admission to our exhibits, subscriptions to our biannual journal (Slovo) and our bi-annual newsletter (MOST), enrollment in our Time Travelers Program (including benefits at 100+ museums), and access to members-only events.
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March 21, 2021
AUGUST 29, 2021
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Without our members, sponsors, and other supporters, we would not be where we are today. We have made it our mission to ensure that the culture, people, and histories are celebrated, embraced, and shared — your support helps us accomplish that mission.
Volunteer
It is with the help of our dedicated volunteers that the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library continues to serve the community. We have tasks to engage all ages and abilities levels. Our volunteers reported advancing their communication skills and acquiring job skills.
Calendar of Events
We strive to provide informative, engaging, and most importantly – FUN events to the Cedar Rapids area. Our events focus mainly on the history of the Czech and Slovak people, with hands on workshops, informative history lessons, and exhibit opening receptions.
Featured Events
December 2020
Ornament Personalization with Marj Nejdl
In celebration of the holiday season, Master Czech Folk Artist Marj Nejdl will be on hand in the Museum Store to personalize ornaments for you, including the 2020 Limited Edition NCSML Ornament designed by Marj herself (shown at right). Ornament personalization can be commissioned for almost any ornament for a small added price. The last day to have your ornament personalized is Dec. 19. As always, there is no admission cost to visit the Museum Store only. All are welcome!…
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January 2021
When Time Stopped Virtual Author Talk and Book Signing
Whilst stories of the holocaust continue to appall, remarkable stories of courage and endurance continue to emerge. Journalist Ariana Neumann dives into the secrets of her own father’s past, a story that saw him spending years hiding in plain sight in war torn Berlin; the annihilation of dozens of family members in the Holocaust; and his courageous choice to build anew. From an innocuous box of papers her father left for her when he died, Ariana has meticulously uncovered the…
Find out more »Member Master Class: Thirty Years of Velvet
A Virtual Lecture Series with Professor David Chroust, PhD.Professor David Chroust, PhD presents Thirty Years of Velvet: The Literature in English on Revolution and Transition in the Czech Republic since 1989. The 1989 Velvet Revolution ended over forty years of communism in Czechoslovakia. Then came “transition”—to Western-style democracy, capitalism and perhaps other things. What did the revolution and transition change? What are the outcomes today? What do different social groups in the Czech Republic think, especially “ordinary” people? We will…
Find out more »February 2021
“The Great Return: How Reverse Migration Is Transforming Slovakia in the 21st Century”
The history of Slovakia is a history of migration. For more than a century, Slovakia’s people have fled the heart of Europe in search of a better life. Today, young people continue to leave, triggering a nationwide debate about a ‘brain drain.' Unlike in the past, however, they also return. Discover how 21st-century Slovakia is transforming, thanks to reverse migration, knowledge-transfer, and first-hand contact with the wider world. Slovakia’s lost daughters and sons have proved that return is not just…
Find out more »The Settlement, Growth and Movement of the Czechs and their Institutions in Cleveland, Ohio
This presentation from Stephen J. Sebesta, Ph.D. accompanies his book of the same name. Highlighted with many photos, maps and graphics, it will review the history of the Bohemians, Moravians, and Silesians in Europe, collectively known as the Czechs, and the forces that led them to emigrate. It will trace immigration patterns of the Czechs in the U.S. more broadly with a more detailed descriptions of the Czech settlements in Cleveland, Ohio, which, in 1910, had the fourth largest population…
Find out more »Pandemic Perspectives: Essential Workers: Prestige versus Pay
The National Museum of American History has launched an engaging series of virtual talks through March 2021 that combine questions raised by the current pandemics and historic objects in the national collections. Curators and historians will virtually share objects, using them as a springboard for a lively discussion that explores how the past can help us better understand the present. Audience members will have the opportunity to pose questions and help guide the conversations. The format will be a moderated dialogue among the…
Find out more »Czech Soups: Kulajda and Leek Soup
Our popular virtual cooking classes are back! In this class, we are going to focus on two very original and traditional Czech Soups that will definitely become your favorite! The first is Kulajda, a creamy and lightly sweet and sour mushroom soup with potatoes and dill served with a hardboiled egg. The second soup is an equally delicious leek soup. Any soup lover or anyone who wants to get warm with a delicious soup in the winter months will get…
Find out more »Intro to Slovak Language & Culture
Intro to Slovak Language & Culture (Slovenčina pre začiatočníkov)This online group course has been designed for true beginners with no experience with the Slovak Language. Acquire basic vocabulary and basic conversational Slovak with a native speaker and instructor Andrea Siebenmann. Class begins on Monday, February 22. Each class will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) every Monday from February 22 through April 12.Cost: NCSML Members: $180 / Non-Members: $200 Registration is required. The class size…
Find out more »Karbenátky: Czech “Burger” served with Mashed Potatoes
Our popular virtual cooking classes are back! Burgers are extremely popular in the USA and this class will be about a traditional Czech burger called “karbenátek.” No, Czechs didn’t copy the American idea, but instead invented their own delicious and very flavorful version of a burger patty. Karbenátky usually consists of delicious beef and pork, and a bunch of other ingredients and seasoning. Instead of serving in a bun, this burger variation is served with supper creamy mashed potatoes! Note:…
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