Latvian footprints around the world

A museum is made up of objects and the stories associated with them, bringing historical themes to life with the help of interpretations provided by researchers. The nascent “Latvians Abroad – museum and research centre” also provides an insight into the destinies of Latvian people outside their homeland, through various life stories and objects.

Even though the museum does not yet have a permanent exhibition space, work on the development of a collection of artifacts and their interpretation has begun.  To provide an insight into the work and potential of the museum, we offer you this virtual exhibition:“Latvian footprints around the world.” This contains Latvian stories from different countries, different eras and different destinies, together with objects from the museum collection. These are stories about emigrants, who, as early as in the 19th century, left their homeland in search of a better life, as well as stories about those in exile, who fled from the land of their ancestors to save their lives. It seems that there isn’t a place in the world where Latvians haven’t travelled, fled, emigrated or been sent. Among these emigrants, there have always been some people who have returned to their homeland. However, most have remained living their lives far away.

People must have confidence in the work of museums. Those who donate items to museum collections need to know that their gift is preserved and used. For those who visit museums, it is important for them to know that the information provided is genuine and accurately reveals the historical significance of an item. We hope that you will visit this exhibition and appreciate the work which has already been started by the “Latvians Abroad – museum and research centre”. We also welcome your own suggestions, impressions and stories about your own experiences!