In the pandemic , the scientists from different disciplines and all four corners of the world proved once again that science and knowledge indeed have no frontiers – neither in relation to time nor country . And it is still true that the past can be a great teacher for the future .
Knowledge , with a right dose of courage , can be the inspiration to fulfill the dreams and build a better world . We need to dream , have the courage to take a step forward and make our dreams come true .
This step was taken by many Slovenian women and men who emigrated in search for work , a better life , new experience or because of political situation in the country . Today , about 350,000 people of Slovenian descent live in the United States of America , and as much as seventy-five percent in six states ( Ohio , Pennsylvania , Illinois , Minnesota , Wisconsin and California ). Together with other Americans and immigrants , they actively participate in the political and economic development of the U . S ., representing a small piece in a most diverse cultural landscape .
The same as in other large cities , the Slovenian community in Cleveland – which lost the title of the “ third largest Slovenian city ” long ago – maintains the national and cultural identi ty through the activities organized by national homes ( narodni dom ), various societies , parishes with the Slovenian language schools held on Saturdays , fraternal organizations , recreation centers , museums , newspapers and radio shows . Despite being the third or fourth generation of immigrants , Slovenian Americans , one way or another , preserve their ethnic identity .
This exhibition in particular draws attention to Slovenians who are - except Primož Trubar - somehow related to the USA . Through their work and knowledge , scientific achievements and innovations , they contributed to the progress and welfare of the American society . These individuals include the expert in electron microscopy
Aleš Strojnik , the first space architect Herman Potočnik Noordung , the space voyager Anton Mavretič , the planet hunter Marija Strojnik , the space walker Sunita L . Williams , the Silicon Valley pioneer France Rode and the world-class innovator Peter Florjančič who passed away last November .
However , there are a lot more Slovenians who left their mark in different walks of life on this side of the Atlantic . To mention just few of them : Joseph Frederick Sutter – aeronautical engineer , the “ father of the 747 ”; Frank J . Lausche and George Vojnovich – Senators , Ohio Governors and Mayors of Cleveland ; Frankie Yankovic – “ America ’ s Polka King ”; Ronald J . Zlatoper – U . S . Navy Admiral ; Dr . Ronald M . Sega – Major General in the U . S . Air Force and NASA astronaut ; Prof . Dr . Duncan Haldane – 2016 Nobel Laureate in Physics ; Ivan Zorman – poet and composer , and as many as ten Catholic bishops – from Frederic Baraga to the current bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland , Edward C . Malesic .
I could not agree more with the words of the exhibition curators – never has knowledge acknowledged any frontiers , be it visible or invisible . It is usually the scientists who dare to go beyond the familiar , known and safe , capable of crossing any frontier . Because their only frontier is ( lacking ) knowledge .
Congratulations to the Technical Museum of Slovenia and the exhibition curators Irena Marušič and Dr . Estera Cerar . Knowledge without Frontiers won them the 2018 Valvasor Award , the highest Slovenian award in museology . It further validates the significance of the exhibition and its aim : learn from the past for the future . Learn about migrations , a phenomenon as old as humanity , which made our world a better place .
Alenka Jerak General Consul of the Republic of Slovenia
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