During the height of the steel mill era in the early 1900s, thousands of workers from Slovakia settled in the mid-Mon Valley. To honor their contributions to the region's ethnic diversity, the Mon Valley Slovak Cultural Society has organized an exhibit, lectures and demonstrations.

"Slovaks in Monessen" will open with a free reception and ethnic foods from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Monessen Historical Society.

"The exhibit will focus on Slovaks in church and school, in business, sports, entertainment, politics and the military through photographs and artifacts lent by between 40 and 50 area residents," society spokeswoman Susanna Swade said. "The exhibit will also address Slovak clubs, fraternal organizations and family life by including items like needlework, quilts, antique wooden ironing boards, sauerkraut cutting boards, poppy seed grinders, political memorabilia, military medals and hand-crocheted tablecloths."

In conjunction with the opening, four priests at St. Dominic's Church, 575 Thompson Ave., Donora, will celebrate a Mass in Slovak starting at 2 p.m. next Sunday. Following the service, a special dinner featuring ethnic foods will be served in the church hall with Slovak music and entertainment. Tickets cost $10 and may be reserved by calling Vivian Weir at 724-379-8568.

The series of lectures begins Feb. 26 at the Greater Monessen Historical Society Museum with an exposition of Slovak music and a stuffed cabbage making demonstration. On March 9, demonstrations will include the preparation of pierogi and haluski.

On March 15, a discussion group will meet to exchange thoughts on "Out of This Furnace," a book by Thomas Bell that focuses on three generations of a Slovak family that worked the steel mills in the Mon Valley. Dr. David Demarest, a professor from Carnegie Mellon University, will present a related lecture and slide show March 19. An open discussion of his ideas will follow.

The April 2 lecture will focus on a demonstration of how to make kolache (nut rolls) and Slovak sweets, while May 7 will demonstrate the preparation of pagach (Slovakian stuffed pizza) and potato pancakes.

On April 30, a talk with John Righetti, president of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, Cassandra Vivian and others will address Slovak regions and traditions.

All lectures are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. in the museum.

"We're inviting everyone in to learn more about one of the region's significant ethnic groups," Ms. Swade said.

"Slovaks in Monessen" is at the Greater Monessen Historical Society Museum, 505 Donner Ave. The exhibit, which opens with a reception from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closes May 20. Call 724-684-8460.