A visit to relatives in Slovakia helped me understand how one family’s decisions continue to shape generations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Kevin Hurbanis grew up in Cicero, Illinois, near his grandparents, who emigrated from present-day Slovakia. His family and community fostered an appreciation for the food, traditions, and language of their homeland, which he has visited several times. Kevin is a digital learning content specialist and currently serves as President of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International. He lives in Minneapolis and enjoys helping others learn more about their Slovak heritage.
Kevin’s story is part of a Global Slovakia Project- Slovak Settlers, authored by Zuzana Palovic and Gabriela Bereghazyova. The book is available for purchase via info.globalslovakia@gmail.com.
It is common to be asked, “What are you?” especially when you have an uncommon surname. The assumption is that your ancestors came from somewhere else, and that place is what you are. Growing up in suburban Chicago, I was aware that I was “something,” and continuously exploring that “something” has allowed me to connect with people and places throughout my life.
There were the friends and relatives who frequently gathered at my paternal grandparents’ home. They had the ability to speak a language I did not understand (nor was I encouraged to learn it). Another clue was attending church on Sundays. Our family belonged to a church founded by Slovak immigrants that offered services in the Slovak language. These associations, combined with an annual summer family reunion where I was among others who shared similar family experiences, gave me glimpses into who my grandparents were and where they came from. Together, they taught me what I am.
