Jankola Library and Slovak Museum

Located at Villa Sacred Heart, Danville, Pa., Jankola Library and Slovak Museum, promote and preserve Slovak intellectual and cultural life by displaying books, reading material, artifacts and memorabilia that pertain to Slovak and Slavic history, language, literature, fine arts, spirituality and science.

History

Sr. Loretta Marie

Director – Sr Loretta Marie

Maintained and supported by the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Jankola Library and Slovak Museum provide a unique and specialized source of historical information and cultural resources. The library is named in honor of Father Matthew Jankola (1872-1916), a Slovak immigrant priest who founded our Congregation in 1909 to educate children, preserving Slovak faith and culture.

Beginning in the mid-1940s, collections of books, papers and artifacts pertaining to Slovak history, poetry and literature were sent to the Sisters in Danville for safe-keeping and preservation. Throughout the years, materials have accumulated from around the world.

Throughout the years, Jankola Library and Slovak Museum have been directed by Sisters M. Martina Tybor, M. Mercedes Voytko,  M. John Vianney Vranak, SS.C.M., and most recently Sister M. Catherine Laboure Brenock SS.C.M. while being assisted by members of the Northeast Pa. Slovak Heritage Society.

The current Director is Sister Loretta Marie Hrubec SS.C.M.

Established and Sustained by Generosity

Generosity established and continues to sustain the Jankola Library and Slovak Museum. The four Slovak Catholic Fraternal Societies—First Catholic Slovak Union (Jednota), First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union and Slovak Catholic Sokol—have provided generous grants for Jankola Library. Ongoing preservation has been made possible by the contributions of many donors. Gifts of all sizes are needed and greatly appreciated!

Contents

Jankola Library is a scholarly research center that contains educational resources and an archive. The library includes, but is not limited to:

    • Pictorial books of every region in Slovakia
    • Contemporary periodicals published in Slovakia
    • Rare Bibles; prayer and hymnal books
    • Bilingual newspapers and magazines published by fraternal societies with copies dated as early as 1892
    • Children’s literature
    • Memorial books (Pamätnica) which recount the history of Slovak churches and organizations
    • Recipe books featuring ethnic menus and traditional foods.
    • Audio tapes and CDs of Church music and folk tunes

The Slovak Museum exhibits cultural and material items including:

  • Rare crystal pieces
  • Unique ceramic vases, pitchers and plates from Modra
  • Folk art including carvings and corn husk dolls
  • Native Slovak clothing and costume
  • Handcrafted lace and embroidery
  • Paintings and artwork depicting village life
  • A fujara, a Slovak shepherds’ flute, that gained world recognition (It is listed as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization.)

Visit & Contact

To visit the Jankola Library and Slovak Museum, please CONTACT US today to schedule an appointment. The current Director is Sister Loretta Marie Hrubec, SS.C.M.

Jankola Library and Slovak Museum
Villa Sacred Heart
1002 Railroad St.
Danville, PA 17821
(570) 275-3581    EXT: 140

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