BALTIC HERITAGE NETWORK Newsletter no. 1 (14) 2016 issn: 228-3390 In this issue:

• Lithuanian Diaspora Exhibition Back in Lithuania • Vera Oinets Receives Estonian State Decoration • An Event in Warsaw Dedicated to Lithuanian and Polish Relations • Audio Recording of K. Päts’ Last Speech • Sylvia Thompson and Michael Keller Receive Estonian State Decorations • Researching Diaspora and Migration: Theoretical Challenges From left to right: Jüri Kivimäe, Helga Merits, Arnis Kuksis, Piret Noorhani, • Life Stories Competition Andris Kesteris, Marika Mayfield and Andrejs Kulnieks. Photo: Taavi Tamtik Celebrating The Republic of The Story of the Baltic University ’s 100th Birthday • On Saturday, February 13th the Estonian Studies Centre/VEMU hosted a BaltHerNet Summer School conference at College dedicated to the Baltic University (BU). The A note from the Editor: The Baltic conference was held in honour of the 70th anniversary since the establishment Heritage Newsletter is distributed of the BU, which only existed in for three years. The extensive quarterly, on-line. The newsletter is conference came to a close with Helga Merits’ documentary “The Story of the compiled and edited by Kristina Lupp. The submission deadline for the next Baltic University”. issue is 15 May 2016. We welcome news Five lecturers gave presentations at the English language conference; one of articles, conference information, calls whom is directly associated with the BU and two of whom are more indirectly for papers, new publication information, connected. In the first session Helga Merits, Jüri Kivimäe, and Andrejs and images. Please send articles in Kulnieks gave lectures, followed by Tiina Kirss’ and Arnis Kuksis’ lectures in English with high quality images to: the second session. The Chief Archivist of VEMU, Piret Noorhani, acted as the [email protected] ______moderator. The Non-Profit Association Baltic Heritage Helga Merits, whose father studied Theology at BU, emphasised the Network was founded in Tartu on January importance of the short-lived three year university as well as the extraordinary 11, 2008. NPA BaltHerNet was established to foster cooperation between national and effort of the professors and lecturers, who were both brave and venturesome. private archives, museums, libraries, and Helga also needed to use these same qualities to access the materials to create institutions of research, public associations her documentary. She had to search in archives all over the world: in the and organizations collecting and studying United States, Australia, Canada, and . The search was not easy; in the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora. It aims to facilitate the preservation and some instances Helga was met with negativity or complete opposition. The research of the historically valuable cultural biggest achievement was discovering the BU archives at Uppsala University, property of the Baltic diaspora, as well as to the existence of which was a surprise to even the archives employees. ensure accessibility of these materials to the public. Jüri Kivimäe began by presenting some interesting demographic statistics. At the end of the war, about 8 million refugees remained in Germany: 200,000 NPA BaltHerNet is also committed to of the refugees were Baltic, 40,000 of them Estonian. In October 1945, 1329 the organising of conferences, seminars students began their studies at the Baltic University in Pinneberg under the and workshops, and to developing and administrating the electronic information direction of 168 faculty members; thus, creating an 8 to 1 ratio of students to website Baltic Heritage Network, a faculty members. There were eight faculties headed by the president and three multilingual electronic gateway for rectors, one for each represented country. information on the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora. BU was founded by four professors: Öpik (Estonia), Gulbis and Dunsdorfs (), and Stanka (Lithuania). This was a great achievement and impressive www.balther.net start considering the post-war conditions. Kivimäe also introduced a number ISSN 2228-3390 2016 n o . 1 (14) Baltic heritage network 2 of lesser known professors, although as a collaborative project between recognized by UNESCO -- the apologising beforehand, as according Helga Merits and VEMU. It exhibits a collection was included in UNESCO’s to the information he had access to, selection of historical photos that tell “World Memory” programme for the he may also be missing the names of the unique story of BU. Lithuanian National Register. some equally noteworthy individuals. The conference concluded with Pasvalys M. Katiliškis Public Andrejs Kulnieks focused on the the screening of Helga Merits’ Library is only the first stop for this importance of national culture and documentary. Andris Kesteris exhibition. Its organizer, the National the continuation of tradition through introduced the film’s author and led Library of Lithuania, is planning to the BU. Song and dance festivals are the discussion. take it to all major public libraries in an important means for preserving In March, the Holland embassy the country. national identity. A number of will be organising screenings of Vera Oinets receives students who studied abroad either the documentary in all three of the Estonian state returned to their own homeland or Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and that of their parents or alternatively, Lithuania, as a continuation of the decoration strengthened ties with the homeland. celebrations of the 70th anniversary In the second session, Tiina Kirss since the Baltic University opened its gave her lecture via Skype from doors. Estonia. She discussed her family Eerik Purje (First published in Eesti Elu, memories connected to the BU, February 19, 2016) where her mother studied medicine Translated by Marika Mayfield and her father was dean of the chemistry faculty. Kirss’ parents Lithuanian Diaspora met in this excellent intellectual Exhibition Back in atmosphere, the curiosity of which Lithuania On 23 February 2016, the President has been passed on and preserved in of the Republic of Estonia Toomas their children. Hendrik Ilves bestowed national The final speaker, Arnis Kuksis, decorations. Vera Oinets was one graduated from the Latvian of those to receive the Order of the University in Oldenburg and White Star, fifth class. Vera is the continued his studies in Agriculture head of the Krasnoyarsk Estonian at BU. He remembered the strong Society; for 25 years, she has kept sense of belonging he felt, as the Estonian culture and traditions alive class sizes were small (about 10-15 and developed cultural ties far away students). There were no textbooks, Opening remarks were delivered by from the homeland. so the students had to rely on their Jolanta Budriūnienė. The Baltic Heritage Network would own notes. Exams were oral and like to congratulate its good friend After the successful presentations in in German. Kuksis later continued and cooperation partner on being Norway, Switzerland, and Italy, the his studies in the United States at granted this honorary decoration, travelling exhibition “Lithuanian Iowa State University, where he was and we wish her all the best in her Publishing in Post-WWII Europe” given two years of credit for his 14 continued work! is back in Lithuania. On 27 January months spent studying at the BU. An Event in Warsaw He switched faculties and graduated 2016 it was opened at Pasvalys with a degree in biochemistry. Kuksis Marius Katiliškis Public Library as Dedicated to emphasised his appreciation of the part of a day-long event “The Library Lithuanian and efforts of the BU professors, many of and the 21st Century Society”. Polish Relations whom established academic careers Opening remarks were delivered in other countries after the BU closed by Jolanta Budriūnienė, head of its doors. the Lithuanian Studies Research Despite the lengthy conference Department (former Lituanica programme, the interested audience Department) of the National asked every lecturer a number Library of Lithuania, who noted of questions following their that the collection of Lithuanian DP presentations. Active discussions publishing, 1945-1952, housed at also took place during the coffee the National Library of Lithuania, breaks as well as at the reception is of particular value for its unique content, produced under extremely Giedrė Milerytė-Japertienė (middle) talks following the opening of the BU about Lithuanian and Polish relations in exile. exhibit. The exhibit was completed difficult conditions. In 2011, it was Photo by Dominik Wilczewski

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On March 2, 2016, Dr Giedrė The recording of Konstantin Päts’ the years 1940-1953. The opening Milerytė-Japertienė, a senior speech and the coup on June 21st remarks for the release of the second researcher at the Lithuanian Studies are the only audio recordings that print of the Estonian Students Research Department of the National remain of these events. Until now Association in Sweden were given Library of Lithuania, participated the primary sources of information by the well-known theological and in a discussion organised by the regarding the events that occurred educational figure, Johan Kõpp. “Be Lithuanian Embassy in Warsaw on June 21st in Kadrioru, were certain in your hope and actions”, was together with Vytautas Magnus newspaper articles and poorly emphasised by the national political University and Warsaw University written memories from that time. figure, August Rei at the 32nd Eastern Europe Studies Centre. The The audio recordings done by Estonian Independence Day speech discussion, based on two newly national broadcasters had been at the Concert Hall in published books, Lithuanian and proclaimed unusable decades ago. In 1950. The audio recording titled “The Polish Relations in Exile, 1945-1990 the presented recording, which had Stories from Siuru” make it possible (ed. Giedrė Milerytė-Japertienė) and also been deemed damaged years to listen to Marie Under performing The Dynamics of Relations Between ago, the President attempts to create her own ballad “Kotermann”. Lithuania and Poland: From Historical a dialogue with the people who had The author of many of the described Experience to Contemporary gathered at Kadrioru. However, films and audio recordings is Situations (ed. Mindaugas due to the outspoken opinions and Harald Perten. Harald Perten (8 Norkevičius, Gintarė Lukoševičiūtė, interruptions made by the audience, April 1913, - May 5, 1992, and Ieva Masiliūnaitė), was attended the President had no choice but to St. Gallen, Switzerland) was an by the Warsaw academic community. leave the castle’s balcony podium. Estonian agricultural scholar and The discussion also covered There are many more interesting grain chemist. Aside from his work, Jurgis Giedraitis’ (Jerzy Giedroyc) materials that remain unknown to Harald was interested in film and intellectual legacy and influence on the public in the Swedish Estonian photography and has recorded a the present day Lithuanian and Polish Association’s collection. The film significant amount of important relations. The discussion was led by clips show President Konstantin cultural material. Harald Perten’s film Jan Malicki, the director of Warsaw Päts with his confidants at the Oru and audio archives were organised University Eastern Europe Studies residence and Toila beach in the in collaboration with the Swedish Centre. summer of 1939. There are also some Estonian Association. Audio recording of clips captured of what remained of The Compatriate Program supported the Tallinn cityscape following the K. Päts’ last speech the digitisation of the films. The bombings of March 1944. The tragic Swedish Estonian Association Film Archives of the Estonian maze of historical events continue audiovisual collection will be kept National Archives presented rare to be reflected in the film material of at the Film Archives of the Estonian finds from the Swedish Estonian Swedish-Estonians departing from National Archives and will be made Association film and audio collection the Haapsalu harbour and clips of the accessible to the public on the on 4 February 2016 at the Tallinn conditions in which Estonians lived National Archives database, FIS. University SuperNova cinema. in refugee camps in southern Sweden. Historian Dr Ago Pajur; the directing Among these finds, was an audio Film clips also show important life consultant of the Film Archives, recording of Konstantin Päts’ last events that took place in exile, such Pearu Tramberg, and audio archivist, public speech on 21 June 1940; as the Stockholm Estonian Secondary Paavo Annus spoke at the event on colour film clips of Konstantin Päts School final exams and graduation February 4th. The representative of at his residence in Oru, and some ceremonies. the Swedish Estonian Association, film chronicles of Swedish-Estonians In addition to the films, rare audio Jüri-Karl Seim, was also in departing from the Haapsalu harbour. recordings were released from attendance. Postimees.ee has made film clips of the event available online. http://www.postimees.ee/3574137/ konstantin-pats-riigipoorajatele- mina-ei-saa-teist-ule-karjuda ENA/RA

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Among the Finalists The second finalist,Buying on of Terra Mariana to Sylvia K. – Three Lithuanian Time, by Canadian-Lithuanian Thompson, President of the Kistler- author, Antanas Šileika, consists of Ritso Foundation and Michael Émigré Authors thirteen interrelated short stories A. Keller, University Librarian at For many, the final list of the about Lithuanian emigrant family Stanford University, on behalf of contestants (in the category life in Canada told with plenty of , President “Adult Literature”) to win the best humour and gentle irony. Although of the Republic of Estonia. The Lithuanian book of 2015 came as no it seems that the author tells his ceremony took place at the annual surprise. Three out of five finalists own story, in fact, this book is not Estonian Independence Day were Lithuanian authors living autobiographical. Šileika’s book has celebration in Sunnyvale, hosted abroad. received considerable attention in by the local Estonian Society and Canada and has won several awards. bringing together more than 200 Estonians and friends of Estonia. Each year, the bestows 99 state decorations to people who have significantly contributed to the country’s development, among them a handful of non-citizens. Sylvia Thompson and Michael Keller received the awards for their exceptional work with the Estonia’s Museum of Occupations (soon to be renamed the Museum of Freedom, Vabamu) and building the Baltic studies program at Stanford University. “I am honoured and delighted to present the Orders of the Cross of Terra Mariana to Michael Keller and Sylvia Thompson for their The novel Odilė, arba Oro uostų dedication and service to the state vienatvė (Odile or the Loneliness and people of Estonia”, said Marmei. of Airports) is written by Valdas The author of the third contestant “Their commitment to cultural and Papievis, who has been living and the winner of the Best Lithuanian academic exchange between the between Paris and Vilnius for more Book-2015, Iš dviejų renkuosi trečią: United States and Estonia is highly than a decade. His newest book tells mano mažoji odisėja (Out of the Two valued and appreciated”. a story about the loneliness of an I Prefer the Third: My Little Odyssey), independent human being and the Dalia Staponkutė, is a Lithuanian Dedicated advocates and stewards everyday life of a French aristocrat in writer, philosopher and translator of cultural heritage Paris. currently living in Cyprus. In her Sylvia Thompson has an active role as second book, Staponkutė continues a leader of nonprofit organizations. to tell the story about her journey as She is the President of the Kistler- a Lithuanian, a woman and a mother Ritso Foundation, a non-profit abroad, only this time, from cultural foundation founded by her mother and philosophical reflections she Olga Ritso Kistler, an Estonian turns toward intimacy. The book also refugee who, like tens of thousands of won the prize for the most creative her compatriots, fled her homeland in book of the year in Lithuania. the fear of the returning Soviet Army Sylvia Thompson in 1944. The foundation focuses on educating the public regarding the and Michael Keller occupation, resistance, freedom, and receive Estonian recovery of the Republic of Estonia. state decorations In addition to building and running At the end of February in California, the Museum of Occupations in CA, Eerik Marmei, Estonia’s Tallinn, Estonia, the Kistler-Ritso Ambassador to the United States, Foundation supported numerous presented Orders of the Cross Estonian and Baltic events, films

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government documents, Estonian movies and music, and records of Estonian ex-patriots, and has developed working relationships with Estonian libraries and archives. “We will help Stanford students and professors study Estonian history, literature, science, technology, and culture. And in doing that for Stanford, we will draw other universities into this field. We seek always to help you and your countrymen preserve Estonian freedom and to celebrate Estonia’s success”, said Keller as he concluded his speech. “Estonia is extremely fortunate to have Mike as a true friend and and projects. In 2011, it gave an model to all Estonians in Estonia and a strong advocate of everything endowment to Stanford Libraries, abroad!” Estonian”, said Liisi Esse, Stanford’s making it possible for Stanford to hire Michael Keller is Stanford’s Curator for Baltic studies. a curator for Baltic studies and begin University Librarian and serves as a “It is because of Mike’s keen building its Baltic program. This member of the Supervisory Council interest towards Estonia and the year, Sylvia Thompson supported of the Kistler-Ritso Foundation. He other Baltic states and his ability to the museum with additional 260,000 has been the driving force behind recognize important developments EUR, which is likely the single largest the creation of Stanford’s Baltic in the present and in the future private donation in Estonia in 2016. program, and an active supporter of that Stanford Libraries is the first In her speech on Saturday, Sylvia the development of the Museum of academic library in the U.S. to have a Thompson stressed the importance of Occupations. Last year, Keller also Baltic curator on staff, and has one of not only focusing on Estonia’s tragic became Estonian e-resident. the strongest Baltic collections in the history but also on its remarkable Under Keller’s leadership and with continent. It is a great pleasure to see recovery during the past 25 years and donor support from Kistler-Ritso him being rewarded for his ongoing the importance of maintaining the Foundation Stanford Libraries support”, said Esse. country’s independence and freedom. has established a growing Baltic Estonian ceremony “Estonia is remarkable not for its studies program, which includes victimhood—sadly, there are far too resources on Estonian, Latvian and The official ceremony of presenting many victims of evil in this world. Lithuanian, as well as on Finnish the state decorations took place on Estonia is unique for its non-violent history, literature and culture. In 23 February in Tallinn, Estonia. The “singing revolution” and its quick addition, Stanford Libraries actively President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik ascent to one of the most successful collaborates with Baltic institutions Ilves addressed the recipients of the democracies in the world today”, said and organizations by conducting decorations by thanking them for Thompson. “Freedom and democracy projects and organizing seminars, the services they have provided to are fragile, and require constant conferences and other events to Estonia. vigilance—we must all work together support collection development. “You are all visible and stand in to ensure that Estonians never “I am delighted to be the first of the spotlight, either through your again have to endure the horrors of many Stanford officers to be closely professional work or as a supporter occupation”. involved and supporting the Museum of your community. There are also “We are proud that Sylvia Thompson of Occupations that we now call the more faraway friends and supporters has continued the work of her mother Museum of Freedom, Vabamu”, said of Estonia, whose acts have made Olga Ritso Kistler at the Museum of Keller in his speech. Estonia more visible, audible, safer and more secure”, said President Ilves. Occupations (Vabamu)”, said Merilin Keller made note that the Stanford Piipuu, the director of the museum. Libraries, particularly through “You have put your soul into your “Her support, input and warm heart the curatorial expertise of Liisi work and the efforts you have made help the museum to reach the next, Esse, has amassed a rich collection for your home and Estonia in general more focused development level. It including published works about will help propel us forward. These are is just unbelievable how much Sylvia Estonia, testimonies of Estonians efforts that drive Estonia onwards. has helped the museum. She is a role surviving the occupations, Estonian You will make our country and each 2016 n o . 1 (14) Baltic heritage network 6 and every one of us much bigger. Life Stories Competition Celebrating The Stronger, better”. Republic of Estonia’s 100th Birthday “Researching Diaspora and Migration: Call for life stories Theoretical Challenges” We invite you to participate in a new life stories competition: The VMU Lithuanian Emigration The Republic of Estonia is 100. My love and life! Institute and the Department of Every person is an expert in at least this one field - one’s life story. Every Lithuanian Literature are organizing person is history, initially for one’s children and grandchildren, but also for a conference “Researching Diaspora all future generations. A life story is an imprint, a trail of life left behind in and Migration: Theoretical the form of memories. Challenges“ and invite historians, We invite you to write down your life stories in Estonia and abroad. political scientists, sociologists, Authors who have already written their stories may also write a new anthropologists, journalists, linguists, version of their story to enter in this competition. Pseudonyms are also cultural and literature researchers, accepted. Please write your story in 10-20 pages. studying the history of Lithuanian diaspora and migration processes and The chosen life stories will be published for the Republic of Estonia’s 100th looking for interdisciplinary research Anniversary of Independence in the book “Eesti rahva elulood” (Life opportunities, to participate in it. Stories of Estonians) published by Tänapäev. There will be awards for the best life stories! All life stories will be preserved at the Estonian Literary The organisers invite proposals on the Museum in the Estonian Cultural History Archives, as well as with our following topics and issues: Canadian-Estonian collaborators at the Estonian Studies Centre/VEMU • Theoretical and methodological Archives in Toronto, Canada. aspects of migration phenomenon Poet, Kristiina Ehin, is the spokesperson for this competition. and diaspora studies, the terminology and its use-related problems. Some questions to focus your thoughts: • Baltic diaspora, historical research, Think about your life now and in the past. Write down how the changing world had its specificity, comparative research affected you and your loved one’s lives. opportunities. How important have the people around you, love and the emotional world been to you? • Fundamental and comparative research of and interdisciplinary What has the Republic of Estonia given to you and your loved ones? What has the country taken? cultural studies approaches to Lithuanian literature, art, music and What memories do you and your loved ones have of the events that occurred during culture in exile. the transitional periods in Estonia? • International migration processes What types of roles have you had to play in your lifetime? analysis, their relevance in a global What kinds of choices have you faced? How have you tolerated a double life? society, interdisciplinary aspects. What fears have you faced? The conference will take place at What do you live for? the VMU Lithuanian Emigration Write about your experiences and do not hesitate to intertwine the past with the Institute (S. Daukanto g. 25, Kaunas) present. Discuss the good and the bad times on 14 April 2016. The final date to in your life and the world around you. submit proposals is 21 March 2016. Please send in your submissions by Contact person: Dr Dalia Kuizinienė; December 1, 2016. email: [email protected] By post: ELULOOD, Eesti Kirjandusmuuseum, Vanemuise 42, Tartu 51003 E-mail: [email protected] Canadian Estonians may send their submissions to: By post: Estonian Studies Centre/VEMU, 310 Bloor St. W., Toronto ON M5S 1W4 E-mail: [email protected] Estonian Literary Museum / Estonian Cultural History Archives and Estonian Folklore Archives Estonian Life Stories Association Kristina Ehin in Toronto in September 2014. Estonian Studies Centre/VEMU Photo: P. Noorhani

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The BaltHerNet Summer School migrations. ‘Estonian Cultural Heritage Abroad 7: From Who May Apply? Repository to Exhibition’ to be held in Haapsalu Students and scholars who live outside the between the 4th and 7th of July 2016 Minneapolis - This time around, we will be discussing the usage St. Paul (MN) metro area and who need to do of archival records, printed matter and museum research in the IHRCA collections. objects in exhibitions. Selection Criteria: Exhibitions are an important help in introducing • Demonstrated connection between research needs and popularising our history and its sources. and specific collections at the IHRCA. Exhibitions and other events focusing on history • Language proficiency (for projects requiring and culture help a community explain and sources in languages other than English; please remember the importance of collecting source consult an archivist). material and acknowledge the value of the archival Application Materials: records, printed matter and objects in their • Application letter of approximately two pages possession. including estimated dates of residency; description What kinds of exhibitions are possible? How of research project including goals, framework and does one go from idea to exhibition? How is an preliminary thesis; collections to be consulted; and exhibition planned? How do we connect the estimated budget. making of an exhibition with curating? How do • Current curriculum vitae. we use the curated sources and materials in an • Names and contact information for two references. exhibition? What should we keep in mind when Send by June 1st to [email protected], Attn: Grant-in- we use original materials in an exhibition? Aid Committee OR to the following postal address: Specialists from Estonian archives, museums and IHRCA Grant-in-Aid Committee libraries will speak about these topics and many Immigration History Research Center Archives others. Representatives from Estonian archives University of Minnesota abroad will share their experiences. There will be 311 Andersen Library lectures and workshops, and we will visit some of 222 - 21st Avenue South Haapsalu’s museums. Minneapolis, MN 55455 The working language of the summer school will Details and Availability & Terms of Award: be Estonian. Prior to submitting an application, consult the IHRCA If requested, it will possible to partake in archival website at https://www.lib.umn.edu/ihrca to learn about and library courses in Tallinn before or after the collections and consult with staff via [email protected] to days in Haapsalu. confirm material availability and relevance to proposed We kindly ask participants to pre-register by the projects; pertinent IHRCA holdings are a required element 15th of April 2016 via e-mail to karin.kiisk[at] of the application. gmail.com or by phone +372 55544269 Researchers receiving an IHRCA Grant-in-Aid Award will be expected to be in residence for 5 working days GRANT-IN-AID AWARDS or more; acknowledge the IHRCA and receipt of the award in any resulting publication; donate resulting print The Immigration History Research Center publications; and participate in the IHRC/A Global REM Archives (IHRCA) offers Grant-in-Aid Awards (Race, Ethnicity and Migration) and Research in Progress to support a visit in order to conduct research in lecture series if able to visit during the academic year. (A our collections. This award is open to scholars brief biography and talk description will be required upon of all levels, including independent scholars, acceptance of the award.) and supports a research visit of 5 days or more. The award is for travel and research-related expenses, for Typically, awards are for $1,000, and four awards research in any IHRCA collection/s, and must be used in are given each year. The application is due June the next University fiscal year. 1 of each year and the research visit is to occur We aim to inform all applicants of their application status within the next 13 months. by July 30th of same year. The Immigration History Research Center and We are not able to provide visa assistance to our international applicants. Archives (IHRC/A) is an internationally known Please note that the award is payable in US funds only; migration studies center with expansive archives funds are distributed post-visit based upon receipts documenting immigration to the United States provided. from the latter 19th century to current refugee

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