September 17, 2018
The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn and Riigikogu are pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit titled, “Celebrating the Centennials of Baltic Independence and U.S.-Baltic Relations” in the Riigikogu vestibule on Tuesday, September 18th at 1:30pm. Remarks will be delivered by members of the Riigikogu as well as U.S. Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Clifford Bond, followed immediately thereafter by a reception. From August 24 to September 14, the exhibition has been hosted by the Estonian National Library in the Hall of Humanities. The display will remain at the Riigikogu until September 28, when it will be sent onward to Riga.
The display provides an overview of three phases Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania went through over the century of their independence, as well as a summary of the history of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Baltic nations, recognizing the active engagement of the Baltic countries on the world stage.
The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC), its parent organizations, and other supporters developed the U.S.-Baltic exhibit, led by JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau, EANC Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey, ALA Museum Director Lilita Bergs, and LAC representative on the JBANC board Henry Gaidis. Each was instrumental in gathering artifacts and photos, drafting the content, and designing the final display. The Estonian Archives in the U.S. were very generous in allowing access to their photo archives, and the final exhibit would not have been possible without the talent and dedicated work of Estonian-American graphic designer Kristina Jõgi of Baltimore.
The exhibit was officially opened at the U.S. Diplomacy Center in Washington, DC on May 30, 2018.
