(source: Hej, ty!)
You can read this newsletter thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors.
Welcome, Slovak rooters!
You are reading the first edition of The Slovak Spectator's monthly newsletter, Slovak Roots, hopefully the first of many to come.
Here, our team will bring you a selection of stories, from travel features taking you on a journey to eastern Slovakia to profile interviews with the descendants of Slovaks who decided to leave their homeland many years ago, in hopes that we can create yet another space for the community united by love for Slovakia.
So as not to miss an edition of the newsletter, you can sign up right here.
Off to the New World
Now, as you may know, emigration has been a significant part of Slovak history.
Up to 650,000 Slovaks are estimated to have emigrated just to America before the First World War. Thousands more went to other places. Historic regions in eastern Slovakia such as Spiš and Zemplín, but also Orava in the northern part of the country, were hit by emigration the most in the late 19th and early 20th century.
"The streets of American cities are lined with golden coins. The Emperor of America welcomes everyone and wants them to help him collect that gold."
It was embellished stories like the aforementioned that spurred the impoverished and uneducated population of late 19th century Slovakia to leave their homeland in search of a better life, and work. They had no idea where America was; maybe somewhere over the next mountain ridge. When they eventually arrived in the New World, the reality was far from what recruiters had fed them. There were no golden streets; far from it.
Landing at Ellis Island. (source: WIKIMEDIA CC)
Experiencing Slovakia
Today, the descendants of emigrated Slovaks often set out to Slovak regions to see where and how their ancestors once lived. That is why historian Martin Javor came up with the idea of establishing Kasigarda - The Museum of Emigration in the village of Tahyňa near the town of Michalovce, eastern Slovakia. The museum is based in an old house built by a Slovak returnee from the USA.
However, the regions of Michalovce, Trebišov and Sobrance, which all share a border with Ukraine, have much more to offer to visitors from around the world. A famous bird-watching area and great wine are just some of the things to experience while visiting the regions.
For those who have not been to Slovakia yet, we sent our colleague, Jozef Ryník, to the aforementioned regions. Here's what he learned about present-day life in Slovakia's 'Far East' or the Slovak gateway to the European Union, depending on how you look at the region.
He even came across an American living there!
A lookout platform above the former quarry near Beňatina, Sobrance District. (source: TASR - Roman Hanc)
Briton's forgotten Slovak great-grandpa
As promised, The Slovak Spectator also talked to a foreigner who has rediscovered his Slovak roots, and is now trying to obtain Slovak citizenship. Robbie Harris comes from Great Britain, and his nearly forgotten relative is Slovak Pavel Pukančík. In the wartime period, he served as airman in the Royal Air Force. Who would not wish to have a hero as their ancestor, right?
Harris is absolutely amazed at who his great-grandfather is, and I cannot thank him enough for spending some time with The Slovak Spectator.
By the way, my colleague, Jana Liptáková, spoke with genealogist Michal Rázus, a well-known Slovak in the community of those foreigners who have embarked on a journey of rediscovering their Slovak roots. She asked him for some tips on how and where to start a search for ancestors, among other things.
That is nearly it! But before I wrap up the first edition of this newsletter, I would like to share a few interesting stories with you below and ask you to forward this newsletter to your friends, if you have enjoyed reading it. They can sign up here.
A selection of feature stories published by The Slovak Spectator that we recommend reading:
Slovakia is a hiking paradise. Here's a recommendation for a hiking trip to the Tatras.
The Slovak Spectator supports Slovak science. Therefore, we introduce physicist and science communicator Juraj Tekel. He told us why people are attracted to hoaxes and conspiracies.
We looked at 10 projects that are changing the face of Bratislava. See the photos.
Roofs in Bratislava. (source: Pixabay)
In the town of Revúca, southeastern Slovakia, the biathlon mainly survives thanks to the enthusiasm of two siblings. Dušan Chrapán and Milan Chrapán have been involved in the sport for decades.
Peter Getting explains why the once culturally rich Spiš region, eastern Slovakia, is now underdeveloped.
You can also dive into some of the most popular sections on our website: Slovak Mattersand History Talks. Moreover, my colleague, Radka Minarechová, prepares a weekly roundup of good storiesfrom Slovakia, and it is definitely worth a read.
Would you like to share your story with us? Did you enjoy the newsletter? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: matus.beno@spectator.sk or spectator@spectator.sk.
