National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Responds to Challenge; International Inquiries

Thousands Attempt to Contact NCSML About Flood Damage
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa--(Business Wire)--
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML), like many of
its neighboring Iowans, has been dealt a devastating blow by the
recent flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA.

"Our buildings, like so many others in our area, have been
devastated by the flood," NCSML President/CEO Gail Naughton said. "But
buildings can and will be rebuilt. The enduring spirit of our staff,
our members and the broader community is intact. We're still very much
alive."

Naughton added, "The museum staff and board of directors shares in
the grief of its friends and neighbors who have lost their homes and
their own precious belongings. We will help our entire community work
through this crisis."

"I want to thank every one of our constituents from across the
United States and around the world who has attempted to contact us out
of their love and concern for the people of Iowa and the Museum,"
Naughton said. "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 National Czech & Slovak Museum
& Library."

The NCSML Flood Relief Fund was recently established, allowing
members and friends of the museum to help cover the costs of flood
related damage not covered by insurance and other resources.

Gifts may be made online at: www.NCSML.org, at any Wells Fargo
Bank location in the U.S. or by mailing a check to the NCSML.

NCSML staff members have begun the process of assessing building
integrity and damage to collections. Updates will be made to the
website to keep concerned members, volunteers and friends informed.

The NCSML's temporary office is located at One Research Center,
Marion. Mail should still be sent to the museum at 30 Sixteenth Avenue
SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404. Calls to the museum's existing phone
number (319-362-8500) are now being forwarded to the new office
location.

For more information and regular updates, go to the Museum's
website www.NCSML.org.

NCSML
Leah Wilson, 319-362-8500
lwilson@ncsml.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008