Lithuanian Prayer Book

This hand carved Catholic prayer book was crafted in 1863 in Lithuania. Brought to America by Lithuanian immigrants searching for a better life. The Lithuanian language was banned from being published or taught in schools in the Russian Empire that ruled over most Lithuanian people. The Russian Czar attempted to force Lithuanians to learn and become Russian. Illinois promised a land of hope where people could speak, teach, and write in whatever language they wanted and practice their faith in that language too.