Mission: Recover National Czech & Slovak Museum’s wedding history

The Bohemian crystals that make up the chandelier hanging in the entrance of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library have seen a lot of history.

Couple after couple have shared their first kiss as husband and wife under the chandelier, but the exact number of just how many couples is currently in question because of another moment in the museum's history.

'We have lost all of our records from before the flood because all of our records were paper records,” said Amy Lyness, director of facility rental and group tours at the museum. 'So we have nothing of who had their ceremonies or receptions here.”

The museum, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary on July 12, is asking couples that held their nuptials at the historic landmark to come forward.

'We're collecting names, their wedding dates, their address, email address and some people have even offered to send us photos as well,” said Lyness.

Couples who were married at the museum before the Flood of 2008 can contact Lyness at ALyness@NCSML.org.

So far, she has personally talked to 20 couples who have called to share their marriage history with the museum.

'We got married under that chandelier,” said Steve Groner, who married his wife, LeeAnn Benischek, on Sept. 24, 1999, at the museum.

He and his wife frequently return to the museum to share a kiss under the chandelier on their anniversary.

'For us, it's a renewal of the love we have for each other,” Groner said. 'It reminds us of our wedding day, it reminds us to not take each other for granted.”

The museum has events planned for its 40th anniversary celebration for couples who were married at the museum, including free cake and an opportunity to have their picture taken under the chandelier.

'It's a time to celebrate our milestone, our museum has come a long way in 40 years,” Lyness said of the upcoming 40th anniversary event. 'It would be wonderful to celebrate with couples who started their lives together under the chandelier and are still smiling about it.”

Other events planned throughout the day for the entire community include activities, food from Wilson Avenue Hy-Vee, a beer garden and a concert from William Elliott Whitmore.

'I think the most exciting thing about this is we're offering free admission to everyone that day,” said Sara Jacobmeyer, program coordinator for the museum.

They're hoping to see around 500 people at museum through the day, which will start at 9:30 a.m. and wrap up at 9 p.m.

'It's kind of an appreciation of our community,” she said.