Founded in 2008, Baltic Heritage Network promotes collaboration between cultural institutions which focus on preserving and researching the cultural heritage of the Baltic Diaspora. This includes organizing events such as conferences, seminars, and summer schools. Each summer school takes place in a different location, with a different theme. This year’s took place in Värska, Võrumaa, investigating the theme of “My Estonian Roots”.
Before travelling to Värska, summer school participants gathered at the National Archives of Estonia in Tartu. There, the group heard a lecture by Tõnis Türna, who spoke about conducting genealogical research and any restrictions one might run into when requesting materials. Birgit Kibal then gave a tour of the building before the group began their bus journey to Värska. When the group arrived in Värska, there was a screening of the show “8 mm elu” and a Zoom discussion with Maarja Merivoo-Parro.
The Baltic Heritage Network Annual Meeting kicked off the second day, followed by a packed schedule of presentations and discussions. The morning presentations investigated Estonian diaspora archives. Though unable to attend in person, Maie Barrow spoke with the group over Zoom about the work that has been done within the Estonian-Australian community and its archives. There was also a presentation on the Estonian-Canadian archives of VEMU, and using the collections for genealogical and personal research. Madli Wiiburg Walfridsson spoke about the Estonian archives in Sweden and efforts being made in preserving and gathering data about the photo collection.
The afternoon included lectures by Fred Puss from the Estonian Biographical Centre, Tiina Tael from the Estonian National Museum, Marin Laak from the Estonian Literary Museum, and Janis Tobreluts from the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church archives. These lectures were followed by a discussion regarding collaboration between Estonian cultural organizations. Participants included Kadri Linnus and Marin Mõttus from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heidy Eskor from the Estonian Institute, and Piret Noorhani from Baltic Heritage Network and VEMU. Programming for the evening was a viewing of the television show “Sinu uus sugulane” (Your New Relative) and a discussion with the show consultant Fred Puss.
The third day of summer school kicked off with presentations by Mari Ann Remmel from the Estonian Literary Museum, Tiina Kirss from the Association of Estonian Life Stories, Marju Meschin at the Estonian Memory Institute, and Piret Voolaid from the Estonian Literary Museum. After lunch, VEMU’s Piret Noorhani screened the film Meie Tartu, and following the film discussed VEMU’s plans for the future. Aune Valk from the University of Tartu presented findings from a survey which investigated Estonian identity. Following this presentation was a discussion about Estonian identity in the diaspora, moderated by Aune Valk with Riina Kindlam, Tiina Kirss and Lea Kreinin.
On the last day of summer school, the group was taken on a tour of Setomaa, thanks to tour guide Helen Külvik, beginning in Värska’s orthodox church. After learning more about traditions and history at the Seto Farm Museum, the group was treated to a performance by a Leelo choir. Although time was running short, the bus was still able to make quick stops at Vana Jüri Seebikoda (soap store), and at Seto Atelier Gallery in Obinitsa where the group was treated to a singalong with Evar Riitsaar and Kauksi Ülle.
Instead of summer school next year, Baltic Heritage Network will be organizing a conference in Vilnius – which means our Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts will be joining in as well. Keep up with BaltHerNet news via the newsletter here.
