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Rev. Jozef Murgaš Room

The Rev. Jozef Murgaš Room at the Alley Center for Health Sciences, dedicated by the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania and King's College, celebrates the vast achievements of Father Murgaš: priest, artist, botanist, scientist, and statesman.

The Murgaš Room displays artifacts that document the major accomplishments of Father Murgaš's remarkable life, including some of his paintings, samples from his extensive butterfly collection, descriptions of his groundbreaking work in wireless broadcasting technology, and his priestly vestments.

Murgas Room

On Display in the Rev. Jozef Murgaš Room…

  • Panels depicting the towers that transmitted a wireless audio signal from Wilkes-Barre to Scranton in 1905
  • Vestments of Father Murgaš
  • Reproductions of Father Murgaš' paintings that once adorned the sanctuary at Sacred Heart Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
  • His butterfly collection
  • A site plan of the botanical garden he envisioned at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Dallas, Pa.
  • His desk

The stained glass butterfly panel in the center of the ceiling was created by Helfran Glass Co. of Edwardsville, Pa., in the tiffany tradition. The "monarch" butterfly in the center of the design honors the connection and gratitude of the Slovak Heritage Society to King's College for their involvement in helping to create this memorable room.

On the wall outside the room is a collage that displays other paintings by Father Murgaš, as well as newspaper articles, a Slovak prayer card from his funeral, and a stamp that Slovakia issued commemorating him. The room is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional information on Father Murgas and the Slovak Heritage Society can be obtained at SHSNEPA.org or by calling (570) 817-3430.

portrait photo of Murgas

The Rev. Jozef Murgaš Scholarship Fund

At the request of an anonymous donor, an endowed scholarship fund has been established in the name of Rev. Murgaš. The scholarship will provide annual support to a talented King's College student with financial need. Please consider making your own gift or pledge to this fund to support future bright minds in the tradition of Father Murgaš.

Please make checks payable to King's College and mail to: King's College, 133 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. For more information, please call Institutional Advancement at (570) 208-5882.