Altar of Slovak Emigration
Come to Ťahyňa and discover a unique place that tells the moving story of Slovak emigrants, their faith and their desire to stay connected to their roots even far across the ocean! At the Kasigarda Museum of Emigration in Pavlovce nad Uhom, the history of Slovaks who left for North America in search of a better life at the beginning of the 20th century comes to life. In their hearts, they continued to carry memories of home, their traditions and the faith of their ancestors.
Discover the Altar of Slovak Emigration, a remarkable sacred memorial. Its centrepiece is a collection of precious historic stained-glass windows from two Slovak churches in the USA: Holy Ghost Church in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and Sacred Heart Church in Torrington, Connecticut. These works of art, which once adorned the churches of Slovak communities in America, have found a new home in Slovakia. Today, they are installed in a roofed structure in the museum grounds, together creating an evocative space commemorating the spiritual and cultural heritage of Slovaks abroad.
Pause at a place where history, art and faith come together in a unique story. Here, you can admire stained-glass windows depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Heart of the Virgin Mary, St John the Baptist, St Michael the Archangel, St Andrew, St Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit, an angel, the Ten Commandments and the Evangelists Mark and Luke. Some also bear the names of the Slovak families and community associations that donated them to their churches. Each window is therefore not only a precious work of art, but also a personal story of faith, belonging and respect for Slovak roots.
For Slovak emigrants, faith was an important source of support as they built new lives in a distant land. Churches and Slovak community associations gave them a sense of belonging, reminded them of their homeland and helped them preserve the Slovak language, culture and traditions. Today, the altar pays tribute to these generations, offering a space for quiet reflection, remembrance and respect for those who left their homeland but never forgot where they came from.
Whether you are interested in the history of emigration, sacred art or the lives of Slovak families in North America, a visit to the Altar of Slovak Emigration will introduce you to an important chapter of Slovak history. Discover a place where Slovak roots intertwine with stories from across the ocean, and explore the precious heritage that has been saved for future generations. The altar is open to the public free of charge and welcomes everyone wishing to discover the stories of past generations and remember their courage, faith and determination.
The Altar of Slovak Emigration project was supported by the Košice Self-Governing Region through the Terra Incognita programme with a contribution of €80,000.
