Souvenir
Object number2012.64.13
OriginLithuania
Mediumbronze; stone
Credit LineGift of Sister Francesca Walls
DescriptionSouvenir pin. Smooth, yellow-brown stone. Attached to obverse center is a charm of a building with place name beneath. Straight pin on back.Dimensions2 x 0.5 x 1 in. (5.1 x 1.3 x 2.5 cm)InscriptionsObverse has text at bottom of charm: "VILNIUS".
Historical NotesVilnius is the Lithuanian capital and the largest city (population 550 000). Officially established in the 14th century but likely dating from an earlier era this city is well known for its UNESCO-inscribed medieval old town, largest in the Eastern Europe. After all, Vilnius was always the capital, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 15th century was the largest state in Europe. Souvenir from Lithuania collected by the Franciscan nuns in Whitehall, particularly Sister Francesca Walls. Sister Francesca was born in 1910 to Lithuanian immigrants. She joined the convent in Whitehall and became a teacher of music, art, and home economics. She was actively involved in the Pittsburgh community and participated in events such as the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. Her true passion was educating people regarding Lithuanian culture and preserving it. She was known for her Lithuanian crafts and her incorporation of Lithuanian music and language into her lesson plans. She created many “Pass and Read” binders so more people could be informed on what was happening in Lithuania today.
Previous owner
Sister Francesca Walls
(born 1910)
On View
Not on view
