200th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Jurkovič

200 Sk commemorative silver coin

The 1840s were an important period in Slovak history, which saw the culmination of the effort of a group of the Slovak intelligentsia to constitute a modern Slovak nation and achieve the national autonomy. The teacher, patriot and campaigner for the economic advancement of the Slovak people Samuel Jurkovič (9.2.1796 – 13.7.1873 Brezová pod Bradlom), was an important member of this group. His many-sided cultural and educational activities included raising the level of village schools, and establishing reading societies and libraries for the public. He founded the Slovak National Theatre of Nitra, which remained for many years, an example for the development of Slovak amateur theatre. The origin of the Spolok gazdovský (Farmers’ Society) at Sobotište is important in the European context. It was established in 1845, as the first membership credit cooperative in Europe. It has therefore, a permanent place in the history of the world-wide cooperative movement.