From Minnesota Back to Slovenia: An Ancestral Guided Tour

In October last year, I had the privilege of guiding an Ancestral Guided Tour that once again confirmed why such journeys mean so much more than ordinary travel for descendants of Slovenian immigrants. This time, the participant was Joel, who visited Slovenia for the very first time—not as a tourist, but as a descendant returning to the landscapes where his family story began.

Joel arrived exceptionally well prepared. He came with a deep knowledge of his family history, which allowed for meaningful conversations and a shared exploration of the broader context of Slovenian emigration. I can honestly say that I learned a great deal from him as well—especially through his insights into how Slovenian immigrants adapted to life in the United States, how they acquired land, and how they built new homes with their own hands in an unfamiliar environment.

From Poljšica near Gorje to Minnesota

Joel’s Slovenian ancestors came from Poljšica near Gorje, while his wider family roots extend to places such as Bled, Višelnica, Krnica, and Zatrnik. One of the key figures in this story is Andrej Šimnic, who left Slovenia as early as 1866 and emigrated to the United States.

His departure was most likely not a coincidence. At that time, Slovenian newspapers were publishing letters and articles by the missionary Franc Pirc, who was active in what is now Minnesota. In vivid language, Pirc described life in America and indirectly—and sometimes quite openly—encouraged Slovenian men and families to try their luck across the Atlantic.

In one of his writings from the mid-1860s, Pirc emphasized that in Minnesota it was possible to obtain generous parcels of land free of charge. For many farmers from Slovenian lands, struggling with poverty and fragmented holdings, this promise represented hope for independence and a dignified life.

Franc Pirc and the Slovenian footprint in Minnesota

Franc Pirc (1785–1880) was one of the key figures behind early Slovenian immigration to the United States. Before leaving Europe, he was known as a pioneer of fruit growing in Carniola, and later became a missionary among Native Americans. Over time, he also emerged as one of the most influential promoters of Slovenian settlement in Minnesota.Tears flowed freely. It was a deeply moving moment — a reminder of how strong the bond remains between Slovenia and America, even after generations apart.

His legacy is remarkable. St. Stephen (Saint Stephen) is the only town in the United States founded by Slovenian immigrants. Growing around the Church of St. Stephen, established in the early 1870s, the community preserved a strong sense of Slovenian identity that remains visible today—in surnames, gravestones, traditions, and collective memory.

Homesteads where history is still alive

Our journey in Slovenia began in Bled, where we met with Mayor Anton Mežan. Although there is no direct family relationship between him and Joel, it turned out that they share ties to the same ancestral homestead in the area of Zatrnik. The story of this homestead reaches back to the period between 1574 and 1592, when it was granted to one of the three illegitimate sons of Josip Lenkovič, the administrator of Bled Castle—an excellent example of how unexpectedly deep and complex family histories can be.

In Bled, we also visited the Pretnar homestead, where the family tradition holds that the property has remained in the hands of the same family since 1585. In Krnica, we connected with distant relatives at the Avtrnek homestead, where family memory is still carefully preserved.

One of the most moving moments was our visit to Andrej Šimnic’s original house in Poljšica. The house still contains an authentic black kitchen, dating back to the time when Andrej lived there. Standing in that space—surrounded by stone, wood, and living descendants—turned historical research into a deeply personal experience and helped reconnect family ties that had been interrupted for generations.

Understanding place, time, and everyday life

To better understand the historical and social background of Joel’s ancestors, we also visited Bled Castle and its museum, the Oplen House in Studor, and the Liznjek Homestead in Kranjska Gora. These sites offer invaluable insight into how people lived, worked, and organized their daily lives in past centuries.

For Joel, who was visiting Slovenia for the first time, this journey was far more than genealogical research. It was an encounter with a part of his own identity—one that had previously existed only in documents, names, and family stories.

A story that continues

After the tour, Joel and I remained in close contact. We continue to exchange documents related to Slovenian immigrants in the United States and to his ancestors in Slovenia. Such connections often grow into long-term collaboration—and into a shared commitment to preserving family history.

An Guided Ancestral Tour is not merely a journey across a map. It is a journey through time, memory, and belonging. And each time, it reaffirms how important it is that these stories are not only researched—but also experienced, in the places where they truly began.