Upcoming Events at National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
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Czechoslovak Cold War Book Talk
Join us on May 1 for a book talk with Dr. Miriam Potocky Rafaidus, author of a powerful exploration of childhood forced migration. Czechoslovakia's Cold War Refugee Children: Contemporary Resonance offers insight into how the lived experiences of Czechoslovak Cold War refugee children shape their identities and memories well into mid- and late life. Using primary sources and archival oral histories, Dr. Potocky Rafaidus examines the lasting impact of forced migration and poses the question: does anyone ever stop being a refugee? Her book highlights themes of trauma, memory, and ethnic identity, making it a must-read for students of Forced Migration and Refugee Studies, Ethnic Studies, Gerontology, History, Psychology, and Sociology. Dr. Potocky Rafaidus, a researcher at the International Rescue Committee and former social work professor, brings valuable insights into the lifelong effects of displacement, shedding light on a group often overlooked in discussions of refugee experiences. 2025-04-28 17:00:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
Masaryk Exhibit Opening
Join us on May 1 at 5 p.m. as we open the exhibit, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and His Family: Memories & Letters The Masaryk Museum in Hodonín, Czech Republic, presents T. G. Masaryk from a different point of view than what is in textbooks. The museum chose the theme of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and his family. All of us have families and live through common days with them, smaller or bigger joys, but problems and sorrow as well. We need the family and for each of us this topic resonates. It was no different for T. G. Masaryk, who loved his family very much, and his family returned that love very warmly. In order to show T. G. Masaryk as a husband, father, grandfather or friend in the best way, recollections and letters of family and friends have been carefully selected. Each character is described, not with any biographical texts, but exclusively with authentic statements and memories of family members, friends and colleagues. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk is perhaps not familiar to all Americans, but he is a beloved and legendary figure in the former Czechoslovakia. He was a scholar, philosopher, professor, and statesman. During the First World War, he worked tirelessly and at risk of grave personal danger to create the independent country of Czechoslovakia. Masaryk was the first president of the new nation serving from 1918 to 1935 2025-04-28 18:00:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
Sounds of Home: An Evening Celebration of Music
Kylie T. Gougler, a praised soprano known for her captivating operatic roles and advocacy for Czech opera, teams up with Minji Kwon, a distinguished Korean-born pianist and educator, to deliver a dynamic performance that blends vocal and instrumental mastery. Gougler’s extensive experience in operatic roles like Pamina in Die Zauberflöte and her work as a recitalist and clinician is complemented by Kwon’s global musical perspective, honed through her studies and performances worldwide. Together, they create a captivating performance that highlights their expertise, passion, and commitment to enriching the cultural landscape through both Czech art song and contemporary Korean repertoire. Kylie T. Gougler Heralded by D Magazine as “continually captivating, sensitive, and vocally magnificent,” Gougler’s operatic roles include Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Mařenka in Prodaná nevěsta, Governess in Turn of the Screw, and the title role in Suor Angelica. She currently serves on the faculty at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. For over a decade, Gougler has been an advocate for Czech opera and art song in the United States. She has become an in-demand recitalist, masterclass clinician, and presenter both internationally and domestically. Currently, she serves as the co-director of the American International Czech and Slovak Voice Competition at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and is the founder of the Czech Art Song Initiative — an online compendium dedicated to the study, history, and performance of Czech art song. Gougler is the compiler/editor of three Czech operatic anthologies for soprano, tenor, and baritone/bass, respectively. Minji Kwon, Accompanist Kwon is a Korean-born pianist, educator, and recording artist with a doctor of musical arts in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa. She specializes in the works of Croatian composer Dora Pejačević and holds a master’s in collaborative piano from NYU. A Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, Minji has performed globally and currently serves as a staff collaborative pianist at the University of Iowa. She has worked with ensembles such as Orchestra Iowa and Cedar Rapids Opera, and released Portuguese Perspectives with oboist Courtney Miller. As co-founder of Ensemble Yeon, she promotes contemporary Korean art songs and is the organist at Iowa City First United Methodist Church, where she founded a chamber music series. 2025-04-28 19:00:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
Groundbreaking for Orloj Memorial Park
Join us as we prepare the start for the second phase of our Buresh Immigration Clock Tower. We will soon begin working towards the Memorial Park that will surround the clock tower and bring a new environment to enjoy the hourly performances. We encourage the community to attend this groundbreaking ceremony as we are joined by CEO and President of NCSML, Cecilia Rokusek, and City of Cedar Rapids Mayor, Tiffany O’Donnell. 2025-04-28 13:30:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
Czech Baroque Meets Modern America with Julliard Performers
Old and new harmonize in this special May 2, 2025, evening of music centered on Catholicism in 17th-century Prague. Selections from Adam Michna’s Česká loutna, a cornerstone of Czech devotional music, will be performed on period instruments alongside modern works by Czech-American composer Jacob Beranek — including his setting of the 17th-century poem Co Bůh? Člověk?, co-commissioned by NCSML for the Year of Czech Music 2024. 2025-04-28 20:00:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
Veselička Children’s Ensemble Performance
Veselička Children’s Ensemble, with 30 members, enriches this cultural experience by focusing on Slovak folklore, showcasing traditional songs and dances from various Slovak regions. 2025-04-28 11:00:00 -0500
National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids