“Gens fidelissima” what does it mean? This Latin phrase connects directly to the Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye. It means “the most faithful people”. This museum preserves the heritage of a people known for their loyalty.
Welcome to the Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye in Budapest. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Rusyns in Hungary. It was founded in 2004 by the Országos Ruszin Önkormányzat. The aim is to collect organize and exhibit Rusyn historical folk and spiritual treasures.
The Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye plays a vital role. It promotes cultural survival language preservation and tradition. The museum enriches Hungary’s diverse cultural landscape.
Dr Göncz Kinga inaugurated the Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye on February 10 2006. However the museum had already been active. In the previous year it launched tradition-preserving events. These were done in collaboration with various Rusyn organizations. The museum also organized language and culture courses for Rusyn teachers.
Several generous donors contributed to the museum’s initial collection. These included the Cserncsikó family the Fedinecz family and others. The Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye continues to grow. Regular collecting trips add to its inventory. Currently 148 items are officially cataloged. The actual collection is even larger. Many items come from Munkács and Volóc and surrounding areas. Some items were acquired through purchase.
Textiles form a significant part of the collection at Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye. These include wedding scarves and festive cloths. Traditional garments are particularly well-represented. Beautifully embroidered women’s blouses are a highlight.
The current exhibition reflects everyday life and celebrations. Future displays will focus on calendar events. A major part of the permanent exhibition will recreate a Rusyn interior.
The Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye also participates in events. It co-organized a conference on Antal Hodinka. Hodinka was a renowned scholar of Rusyn history. The event featured lectures and an exhibition of Hodinka’s library.
The Rusyn community has a long history in the Carpathian Basin. They lacked their own state or territory. Their identity is based on Eastern Catholic religion dialects and cultural heritage. Many Rusyns fought alongside Hungarians in various conflicts. Francis II Rákóczi praised their faithfulness.
Today most Rusyns in Hungary live in Budapest and nearby counties. They have established local and territorial self-governments. The National Rusyn Self-Government was formed in 1999. It supports Rusyn language culture and traditions.
The Magyarországi Ruszinok Közérdekű Muzeális Gyűjteménye stands as a testament. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Rusyn people. It ensures their heritage thrives for generations.