CEDAR RAPIDS – An ambassador from the Czech Republic came to Cedar Rapids Wednesday night to present a $405,000 donation to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. The flood caused nine million dollars worth of damage to the building.

Czech Republic ambassador Petr Kolar heard about the destruction in Czech Village, but he had never seen it first-hand until now. He toured the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library Wednesday evening.

Ambassador Petr Kolar says people in the Czech Republic have been following the museum's progress for the past few months.

"There's a very natural feeling from our people and our country that we should help our friends in need," Kolar said.

Gail Naughton, the museum's president and CEO, thinks this visit might encourage others to contribute to the rebuilding process.

"This will be the beginning of a renaissance for the museum,” she said.

People from forty-four states have already donated a total of about $300,000.

"The heritage that is so cherished here in Cedar Rapids is important and people all over the country look at what we do and believe in what we do,” Naughton said.

Seeing the damage and destruction left Kolar with mixed emotions.

"Of course, I am sad because of the flood and because of the terrible damage here. But, at the same time, I'm very proud of the people who are working so hard here,” he said.

At this point, no one knows when the museum will reopen, or even if it will be inside this building. But, leaders plan to do everything they can to keep the museum here in Czech Village.

"This is where our heart and soul lie,” Naughton said.

With the combined support from here in America and across the ocean in the Czech Republic, everyone hopes the recovery process will move quickly.

The Czech government also donated an additional $180,000 to help the St. Wenceslaus church, Sokol Cedar Rapids, and Cedar Rapids Public Library rebuild.

The ambassador presented the gifts at a dinner tonight that included guests like Governor Chet Culver and Mayor Kay Halloran.

So far, the U.S. government has not contributed any money to the museum and library.