Introduction Timeline Early Life Stance Schism Controversy Exile Council of Constance Legacy Persons/Events Medals Overview Bibliography
JAN HUS (c. 1373-1415)
Jan Hus (also John Hus or Huss) was a fifteenth-century Bohemian reformer who set the stage for the world-changing reform of Martin Luther. Both Hus and Luther boldly confessed their beliefs and stood firm against extreme opposition even at the risk of their lives. July 6, 2015, marked the 600th anniversary of Jan Hus’ burning at the stake. He is to be honored and remembered for the significant part he played in reforming the Christian church.
The information in this exhibit serves as an attempt to recognize this important, but often overlooked reformer and the world and church events that surrounded him. Jan Hus’ story is told here through text, images, and quotes, along with a timeline for reference, a list of important persons and events, and photographs of medals commemorating Hus’ life.
“If here we suffer something for Christ, there we shall be blessed. For He tests us by the cross and suffering, as gold is tested by fire by the Creator, Who out of nothing created the whole world. Blessed then we shall be if we persevere in the good to the end.”
From a letter Jan Hus wrote to the people of Louny, after March 15, 1411, translated in Matthew Spinka, The Letters of John Hus.
Outline of Bohemia overlaid on a current map of Europe. The borders of Bohemia on the map are from c. 1500.
Exhibit researched and written by Rebecca Wells, Museum Curator, and Brittany Golden, Intern.
Images and text for medals by Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Director.
Additional assistance by Anna Horton, Library Cataloguer, and Jeremiah Jording, Research.
July 2015
