Museum flood exhibit making progress in Czech Village

A new museum attraction is moving ahead in Czech Village.

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library planned to open a permanent exhibit in the Kosek building, 87 16th Ave. SW, by the June 2008 flood anniversary.

Floodwaters devastated Czech Village and the museum, 30 16th Ave. SW.

That timeline proved too ambitious, but with work under way in the Kosek building, museum CEO Gail Naughton said she hopes the interactive visitors exhibit will open in early 2010.

A sign was unveiled today on the side of the two-story brick building to mark that progress.

“This is not just about the museum, it's about the recovery of Cedar Rapids.” said Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, one of several officials who spoke at the event.

Lt. Gen. Ron Dardis, head of the Rebuild Iowa Office, noted the project is the first under the state I-JOBS economic stimulus program to help the city and state's recovery.

For more on this story, see Thursday's Gazette.