In September 2021, some SASW Board members visited the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the NCSML’s 25th Anniversary Gala and the opening of the “Treasures of Slovakia” exhibit. The “Treasures” exhibit featured artifacts from the Slovak National Museum in Bratislava that had never before left Slovakia. As a Smithsonian affiliate, NCSML adheres to high standards and is nationally recognized.

Visitors to the NCSML may notice that the exhibits and displays lean heavily toward Czech culture. Cecilia Rokusek, President and CEO of NCSML, desires to increase Slovak collections and programming. She noted that there is no central, professionally-managed venue in the United States that collects Slovak historical and cultural materials for public display. Her vision is to fill that void at the NCSML.

Our SASW bylaws state that our purpose is “to promote a greater understanding of Slovak history, culture, language, and customs, and to provide opportunities for persons of Slovak heritage and others interested in Slovak affairs to meet to exchange information, share ideas, and participate in Slovak cultural activities.” With this in mind, the Board of Directors voted to create the SASW Slovak Endowment, in partnership with NCSML, to help NCSML deliver on the Slovak side of its mission. The SASW believes that this cultural museum and library is an appropriate repository for the rich history and culture of Slovakia and Slovak Americans. The endowment will provide funding for:

• Slovak exhibits
• Speakers on Slovak topics
• The acquisition of Slovak materials
• The promotion of scholarship on Slovak topics
• Other means of increasing the visibility of Slovak culture and heritage in the United States.

The SASW and its members contributed over $20,000 to initially fund the endowment.  Please consider making a donation to the SASW Slovak Endowment to support this worthy cause. To donate, write a check made payable to “The NCSML” with a note in the memo line of “SASW endowment” and mail it to:

National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
1400 Inspiration Place SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Attention: Cecilia Rokusek