Guide to the Slovenian Heritage Association c1960-c1997

Repository
Heinz History Center
Title
Slovenian Heritage Association
Creator
Slovenian Heritage Association
Collection Number
MSS 811
Extent
1 linear feet (1 boxes)
Date
c1960-c1997
Abstract
The Slovenian Heritage Association in Pittsburgh was founded in 1983 by Frank Kalik. The mission of the organization was to embrace Slovenian culture and share it within the community through the Pittsburgh Folk Festival and other events throughout the year. The Slovenian Heritage Association Records consist of materials from the association including newsletters, programs, and photographs as well as materials about Slovenian culture.
Language
The material in this collection is in English.
Author
The guide to this collection was written by Pam Richter.
Sponsor
This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
Publisher
Heinz History Center
Address
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

History

The Slovenian Heritage Association was founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1983, by Frank Kalik in reaction to the lack of Slovenian representation as part of the annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival. In 1984, the group made its debut at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. The mission of the organization was to embrace Slovenian culture and share it within the community through the Pittsburgh Folk Festival and other events throughout the year. In addition to being the founder of the organization, Kalik was also an accordionist, leading the Slovenian Heritage Association on tours around the continent performing at different events. The Kalik Orchestra created the "Steeler Fight Song," the biggest selling polka recording in Pennsylvania. Each year the organization participates in the Pittsburgh Folk Festival with several hundred members participating. The Slovenian Heritage Association is located in Monroeville, Pa.

There are several other Slovenian groups located in Western Pennsylvania which are similar to the Slovenian Heritage Association, including The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ), which helps to provide benefits to Slovenians. There are several references to this organization within the collection in different newsletters and newspaper clippings.

The Slovenian Heritage Center Museum is located in Enon Valley, Pa, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. The Slovenian Heritage Center displays authentic Slovenian costumes, household items, artwork and crafts. It is not directly related to the Slovenian Heritage Association; however, both groups are similar in that they are committed to preserving Slovenian Heritage in Western Pennsylvania.

Scope and Content Notes

The Slovenian Heritage Association Records contain photographs, information about various aspects of Slovenian heritage, newspaper clippings, newsletters about the organization, and programs from the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. Much of the collection contains materials relating to different aspects of traditional Slovenian culture, including information about weddings and clothing. Other materials in the collection relate to Frank Kalik and Terry Stefl, who was the director of the Slovenian Heritage Association in the 1990s. There are photographs of Kalik and a folder of information about him, as well as photographs of Stefl. The collection also contains copies of programs from the Pittsburgh Folk Festival from 1963 until 1997.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Archives accession # 2005.0217

Preferred Citation

Slovenian Heritage Association, c1960-c1997, MSS 811 , Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center

Processing Information

Preliminary processing by Pam Richter on 07/03/2012.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Subjects

    Geographic Names

    • Monroeville (Pa)

    Other Subjects

    • Polka (Band)
    • Folk dancing, Slovenian
    • Folk songs, Slovenian
    • Slovenian Americans

Container List