Rusin Association

The purpose of the Rusin Association of Minnesota is to provide a gateway to the culture and heritage of Carpatho-Rusyn people living in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

The Carpatho-Rusyns are a distinct group of people with their own language, religion and customs. Their homeland, known as Carpathian Rus' (Ruthenia), is located on the southern and northern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains where the borders of Ukraine, Slovakia, and Poland meet. Because there is not a Rusyn nation, Rusyns often do not identify as being of Rusyn heritage. Rusyn can be referred to by other names, some being Lemkos, Ruthenians, and Carpatho-Rusyns. Rusyns are considered to be an ethnic minority by the European Union.

The Rusin Association works to:  

1. Help people identify and connect with their Carpatho-Rusyn heritage
2. Support genealogy research
3. Promote Carpatho-Rusyn culture through music, dance, art and literature