Military Heritage Tourism - Museums

The story of social and political events in Valka from 1914 to 1920.

Alfred Käärmanni (1922–2010), the legendary Võruma forester, went to the forest as a young man after the start of the second Soviet occupation in the fall of 1944. A year later, he was wounded in the left hand by an explosive bullet in a raid and escaped with his life thanks to Latvian forest brothers who organized medical assistance. Alfred lost his left arm. Despite this, he managed to resist for another seven years, and only with a poisoned drink offered by a traitor who became an MGB agent, the forest brother was caught alive. He was sentenced to twenty-five years of forced labor, to this utopian sentence was added another five years of being sent to a settlement. Alfred was able to return to occupied Estonia in 1981, his persecution only stopped during the years of the singing revolution.

At the initiative of Alfred Käärmann, the principle written in the preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia is that the Estonian state and its constitution must ensure the preservation of the Estonian nation and culture throughout the ages.

Alfred Käärmann was one of the most active men in the restoration of independence in Võrumaa: he helped to re-establish the Defense League and was elected a representative of the Estonian Congress. He has published books, the most well-known of which are Against the Deadly Enemy (2000) and The Spirit of Freedom (2000). He has been awarded the medal of the Kotkarist IV class.

We all have to make choices in life, some more important than others. The point of studying history is to develop judgment. History provides an opportunity to look at the results of decisions made by predecessors. In the museum class, we reflect on the choices that Võrumaa's youth had in the 1940s. To immerse ourselves in the era, we try to step into the shoes of several real people, be it Alfred who went to the forest, Karl who escaped to Sweden or Aleksander who stayed at home. We think about what their choices were and what we would do in their place. The distance of 80 years from these events gives us the opportunity to know what the consequences of these choices were.

During the excursion, visitors have the opportunity to see a modern and interactive exposition "End of hostilities in Kurzeme" about the end of hostilities in Latvia and the signing of the act of surrender of the army group Kurzeme in Ezere. It also emphasizes the consequences of warfare today, where the evidence of World War II is not only history, but also everyday reality. The exposition is multi-layered and intended for both students and those interested. Also, with foreign visitors in mind, the content is also available in English. To appeal to history enthusiasts, in the in-depth part of the exhibition content, there is an opportunity to find specific, detailed information about the army units of the warring parties in Kurzeme at the end of the Second World War. In the storage, you can also learn about the history of Ezere Parish, personalities and events in different time periods.

The Museum of Sea Battles features a well-organized open-air exhibition of military equipment, with the Red Army tank T-34 as its most prominent attraction. The indoor exposition is dedicated to the memory of the battles of More and their historically significant turning points during World War II and the events of World War I in More parish, and the battles for freedom in Latvia. Various local history exhibitions, 19th century. and 20th century household and craft items. Exhibitions of regional artisans and a wide selection of original souvenirs. In the museum, you can get the booklet "Memorial sites of the Mores Battles", which contains a brief description of the history and places of interest and other necessary information to independently visit the nearby Mores Battles Memorial Park with buildings of the ancient front line and the graves of the fallen soldiers' Brothers in Mores Parish.

The lesson takes place in two parts. In the 1st lesson of the program, students visit the exhibition "Museum stories for Latvia" of the Museum of History and Applied Art of Preiļi and learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community of Preiļi. By getting acquainted with the diary of Sheina Gram, a Jewish girl from Preili, which she started writing on the day Nazi Germany invaded the USSR, the students form an emotional connection with the tragic reality of the Holocaust in Preili in the summer of 1941. Lesson 2 is a field trip to the Preilii Holocaust Memorial, during which students learn about the Holocaust tragedy, Jewish saviors, and preserving the memory of the victims in Preilii today.
The goals of the program are to strengthen the understanding of the events of World War II and the Holocaust in Latvia, using local history, as well as to promote the development of a tolerant and compassionate personality.
Topics related to the subject of history are discussed in the lessons, such as the events of World War II in Latvia, the Holocaust, Nazism, collaborationism.

The lesson is based on the traveling exhibition "Deficit and Blats". The students' task is to compare, summarize and explain the information to their peers using various sources. Work with key words: deficit, blat, perestroika, stagnation. Opportunity to participate in the "Valuables and Property Lottery" prize draw. Won scarce goods and help from the teacher. In order to consolidate knowledge and 100% believe that the deficit and blat really worked, the students have homework - interviewing their relatives who experienced this time and writing down their memories. The topic of the lesson is related to the topics of the subject "History of Latvia and the world". 9th class "Soviet occupation and its consequences" and 12th class. "Latvia in the USSR. The influence of the Soviet era on Latvian society, economy and culture". The author of the "Deficit and Blats" exhibition is Anda Opolska, senior expert of the Cēsi Zonal State Archive.

The lesson consists of two parts. In the first one, the students familiarize themselves with the museum exposition: "The Red-White-Red Flag in the History of Cēsis and Latvia", "Cēsis and Latvia's Freedom Struggles." This is followed by a practical lesson on the etiquette of the national flag and a quiz with questions on various topics about Latvia. The topic of the lesson is related to the 6th-9th grade of the subject "History of Latvia". class topics.

The lesson takes place in two parts. In the 1st lesson of the program, students visit the exhibition "Museum stories for Latvia" of the Museum of History and Applied Art of Preiļi and learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community of Preiļi. By getting acquainted with the diary of Sheina Gram, a Jewish girl from Preili, which she started writing on the day Nazi Germany invaded the USSR, the students form an emotional connection with the tragic reality of the Holocaust in Preili in the summer of 1941. Lesson 2 is a field trip to the Preilii Holocaust Memorial, during which students learn about the Holocaust tragedy, Jewish saviors, and preserving the memory of the victims in Preilii today. The goals of the program are to strengthen the understanding of the events of World War II and the Holocaust in Latvia, using local history, as well as to promote the development of a tolerant and compassionate personality. Topics related to the subject of history are discussed in the lessons, such as the events of World War II in Latvia, the Holocaust, Nazism, collaborationism.

The program is available in the "School bags" offer.

The largest collection of bicycles in the Baltics can be seen in the museum. In total, the museum houses about 60 bicycles made and used in Latvia, including army model bicycles. The bicycle museum in Saulkrasti attracts visitors with its ancient atmosphere and interesting collection. The bicycle collection of father and son Jānis and Guntas Seregins has become a unique witness of history. One of the first high-speed bicycles, a bicycle with the first inflatable tires and even a wooden bicycle can be seen in the museum. The collection has a wide range of things related to the use of two wheels, the sport of cycling, associations and the manufacture of bicycles. In addition, the collection is constantly updated. Guided visit to the museum with an engaging narration.

During the lesson, students gain knowledge about the battles of the 1st Latvian separate battalion in Kurzeme and the events in the territory of the O. Kalpak museum during World War II, as well as work in teams in the open air, performing practical tasks.

During the lesson, students learn about Oskar Kalpak's life path in the form of an orientation game and perform tasks in teams in the open air around the museum.

During the lesson, students learn about Oskar Kalpak's life path, feel the situation of the soldiers of Kalpak's battalion at the beginning of 1919, perform tasks in teams or companies related to the beginning of the formation of the Latvian army.

Students are offered various activities in the halls of the museum. In the first hall, students can get an idea of life in the USSR, about the Revival, see posters on social topics. In the second hall, students watch the film "The time of our barricades", discuss the strategically important, protected objects. In the third hall, "With courage against troops", students learn about the two opposing forces, the People's Front and the Interfront, other Latvian cities, which were also very important points in the barricades, as well as you can view the model of the Council of Ministers and on the touch-sensitive screens you can view photo and video materials from the 1991 collection of the barricade museum. In the hall dedicated to the January 20 shooting, students have the opportunity to watch a specially created animated film, where the January 20 attack on the Ministry of the Interior has been reconstructed. In the "Echo of Barricades in the World" hall, you can see a car from the time of the barricades and a satellite dish that transmitted information about the barricades to other countries. After viewing the exhibition, students are given worksheets. In order to fill them in, the students must remember what the tour guide told them, and independently look for clues and answers to questions in the exposition.

Students are offered various activities in the halls of the museum. In the first hall, students can get an idea of life in the USSR, about the Revival, see posters on social topics. In the second hall, students put on three characters of the time of the barricades, dressing up one of the group members as a barricade defender, a member of the militia of the Republic of Latvia or an OMON fighter, choosing suitable items from the props boxes. In the third hall, students place models of equipment on specially designed city maps in those city objects that they think need to be defended today and that were defended in 1991. In the hall dedicated to the January 20 shooting, students have the opportunity to watch a specially created animated film, where the January 20 attack on the Ministry of the Interior has been reconstructed. In the "Echo of Barricades in the World" hall, you can see a car from the time of the barricades and a satellite dish that transmitted information about the barricades to other countries. The students are given a task to divide into three teams and the leader of the excursion determines the task of each team - to prepare a short message about one of the events of the barricades, which will be broadcast 1) on the radio 2) on TV or covered in the press.

Students are offered various activities in the halls of the museum and in Riga, at the barricades. In the first hall, students can get an idea of life in the USSR, about the Revival, see posters on social topics. In the second hall In the second hall, students watch the film "Time of our barricades", discuss the strategically important protected objects. In the third hall, "With spirit against troops", students learn about the two opposing forces, the People's Front and the Interfront, other Latvian cities that were also very important points in the barricades, as well as they can see the model of the Council of Ministers and on the touch-sensitive screens they can view photo and video materials from the 1991 barricades museum collection. In the hall dedicated to the January 20 shooting, students have the opportunity to watch a specially created animated film, where the January 20 attack on the Ministry of the Interior has been reconstructed. In the hall "Echo of barricades in the world" there is an opportunity to see a car from the time of the barricades and a satellite dish that transmitted information about the barricades to other countries. The students are given the task to divide into three teams and the excursion leader determines the task of each team. Later, accompanied by a guide, the students visit the main barricade sites in Old Riga, which they have heard about before - Dom Square, the Saeima House and the memorial plaque of the barricades placed next to it, Bastejkalni and the former Ministry of the Interior building, the Freedom Monument, the 11 November embankment and Kaļķu Street - as the only entry way into Old Riga in January 1991.

The period after the First World War was a time of turmoil and great change in many parts of the world. Country borders and territories were remeasured, monarchs were overthrown and new countries were created. Latvia was also founded in 1918. How did it happen, where and when? Who were the brave and strong who went to the battlefield and fought for their homeland? How were the defenders of our people and land rewarded for their bravery? The story of the Lāčplēš War Order and the Ogrenians - the knights of this order. The benefit of the lesson is understanding and knowledge of historically important events and people for our country, without whose bravery the country of Latvia would not be what it is today.

Groups can be guided by a guide who knows the history of each subject and its use. The relatively small space contains 1000+ exhibits, which are skillfully arranged and are easy for visitors to view without having to walk long ways and many floors. The core of the museum is the weapons of the 2nd world war conflict. Also on display are uniforms, ammunition, household items, aircraft wreckage, etc. The most precious and unique is the feldpost (field) letter correspondence between Oberlieutenant August and his beloved Marta during the five years of the war. Dialogue in letters between two people who love each other with a happy ending. In the background you can see the chronicle of those times. The expedition is not politicized, but divides the two warring parties equally. There is neither good nor bad here, maybe that's why it's easy to watch and visitors like it.

Propaganda"
The museum lesson gives students knowledge about the definition and history of the formation of propaganda and presents more striking examples. A short tour at the beginning of the class introduces the museum's exposition. Then we engage the students in a seminar-style discussion to demonstrate, using propaganda as an example, how despite the passage of time, some things in politics and warfare hardly change at all - only the means and goals are slightly different. In class, together with the students, we observe and analyze propaganda posters, we look for the most common symbols, the use of national stereotypes, etc.
The student who participated in the museum lesson knows the concept of propaganda and stereotypes, can describe the goals and effects of their creation. Knows what type of propaganda has been made in Estonia. Can make connections between the past and the present. The lesson develops the skill of discussion and self-expression

The museum lesson introduces the students to the fate of our hometown in the Second World War. A short tour at the beginning of the class introduces the museum's exposition. Then the student will gain knowledge of 1941‒1944 based on a lot of picture material, wartime periodicals and memories of contemporaries. of the war events in Tartu. The slide program demonstrates the consequences of battles and war crimes and what Tartu was like during the war and what it looks like now. The student who participated in the museum lesson knows the history of Tartu during the Second World War. Knows what life was like during the war and how the war affected people, and can make connections between Tartu at that time and today. Knows the concept of a war crime

The KGB Cell Museum offers tours for all ages. During the hour, we will give an overview of the gray house, where in the 1940s-1950s NKVD/KGB operated in the 1990s, and the exposition, which deals with World War II, Estonia's post-war freedom struggle, the crimes of the communist regime, and the living conditions in the pre-trial prison.

The museum lesson gives students knowledge about mass deportations committed in Estonia in 1941 and 1949. At the beginning of the lesson, the students will be part of a slide program that introduces the nature of deportation, the organizational details of the mass anti-humanity operations in Estonia, the target groups, and the specifics of the execution. During the program, students are involved in presenting their understandings and taking positions. After the slide program, there will be an excursion that introduces the museum's permanent exhibition. The student who participated in the museum lesson knows the concept, purpose and impact of deportation. Knows why and how deportations took place in Estonia, from the compilation of lists to its far-reaching social and economic effects. The lesson develops discussion skills.

Children watch the film "Don't touch the bomb", they can see and touch things found in the Blue Mountains. Worksheets/drawing sheets are filled in at the end of the lesson. The program is in cooperation with the rescue agency.

Warring parties of World War II, what was the weaponry, uniforms.
Estonians in the Rifle Corps and German military units, what were the choices and were they voluntary choices.
1944 German retreat battles in Estonian territory, situations in which there were Estonians on both sides of the front.
How is it known and found today who is buried in mass graves.
Introduction of weapons and uniforms, including the armament of which army the weapon was a part of and what were the characteristic distinguishing marks of the armies.
Excursion to Põrguaugumäe (memorial to those who fell in World War II) and Parkimäe (the Vaivara manor was located on the mountain and there are bunkers from World War I).
Watching the movie "1944" if desired.

Students will learn about the Second World War on the territory of Estonia. Get acquainted with the uniforms and weapons of the German and Soviet armies. If desired, there is an opportunity to try on clothes.

The study program consists of 2 main parts:

Hike in the Sinimägedel - provides an overview of the peculiarities of the landscape, the history of its formation, geographical and geological features, vegetation and introduces the places related to II ms.
Practical task – reading maps of different times, positioning and analysis of landscape changes.

Students receive mobilization invitations. In the course of the program, you will learn how an Estonian got into the army and what uniforms he wore; what were the weapons that were used at the time. Living conditions during the war, including the distribution of food stamps.
Organizing an air alarm, the subject of the March bombing of Narva.
Providing first aid.
How trenches were dug and when they are useful.
Excursion to Pargimäe (the Vaivara manor was located on the hill, there are bunkers from the First World War).
Watching the movie "1944" if desired.

The Vaivara Sinimägede Museum invites you to take part in a time travel, where the 1944 escape from the Narva region is relived. Before the adventure takes place, the participants are sent a scenario via e-mail, which describes the evacuation and offers roles according to the participants. This gives you the opportunity to make choices about what to take with you, what to wear and what the menu for the picnic at the end of the trip could be. Also, the pre-sent scenario helps to give the participants some hints to observe certain details during the adventure, so that the journey is as real as possible. But creativity is also always welcome and often makes the adventure even more memorable and enjoyable.

Time travel is suitable for both adult groups of friends and families with children. It is very different from other similar adventures and provides a good opportunity to discuss modern refugee issues later.
In such an undertaking, it is not possible for each journey to proceed in the same way as all the previous ones. The adventurers themselves play a very important role in this adventure. It all depends on the participants. Therefore, the adventure is completely unique and creates new emotions for everyone, including those who have already gone through it before.
The instructors conducting the time travel are specialists in their field who have carefully thought out the entire scenario. So you can be sure that the service you experience will be first class.
Pre-booking is required to consume the adventure, and the journey begins at the Vaivara Sinimägede Museum.

During the program, students will learn about the stories of the museum's exhibits: what and what the soldiers ate, where the documents were kept, what the soldiers' uniform should be and what they carried. You can touch and try the exhibits (helmets, hats, weapons). They talk about why we keep things in a museum.

During the program, students learn how to read a map, what the symbols and colors on the map mean. Using the map, students find checkpoints and solve the corresponding tasks. The terrain game goes through the most interesting places of Sinimäe settlement, such as Sinimäe elementary school, World War I bunkers and Pargimägi. A visit to the museum will also take place during the game.

Lecure + museum visit.

Short lecture + making solder food in outdoor military kitchen.

Professional deminiers lecture, workshop

The purpose of the program is to encourage students to be interested in the past, its events, and to look for connections with the present. Watch 5 short films together about life and everyday life in Latvia in the 20th century. in the second half. Let's get acquainted with the items sent in the "time capsule", their origin, manufacturer... while also learning how and where to look for the manufacturer. And then, through tasks and games, evaluate and compare those times with today. This program is not about the war, but it is definitely related to the consequences of the war on the everyday life and economy of the people of Latvia.

The purpose of the program is to promote awareness of Lāčplēš Day and to strengthen the national identity of the new generation. In this lesson, the students have the opportunity to travel to the year 1919, dividing into teams, the students will assume the roles of two opponents - the Latvian army and Bermont's troops. Using the appropriate equipment, they will perform various tasks, create defensive positions, go scouting, and create hideouts in order to find out the historical winner at the end of the lesson. A circular walking path has been created along the route, which includes an armory, a dugout, an artillery point, and a cannon. All mentioned points of interest are located where evidence of their location has been found in archaeological excavations. This route also includes a memorial stone for those who died in the freedom struggle and a model of the soldiers' settlement as it was during the First World War. There are signs along the entire trail with Braille signs and everything is accessible to people in wheelchairs, so people can explore and enjoy the place as well.

In the workshop we will talk about swords, from what the first swords were made of, what carrying a sword meant for a warrior in the past and what it means today. Children can explore which swords are found in the war museum and learn what parts a sword is made of. During the workshop, children make paper swords, decorating them according to their imagination.

Patterns are part of warfare. Already ancient warriors covered their faces and bodies with war paintings, which instilled in them strength and bravery. Today, a camouflage pattern uniform helps the modern-day soldier hide from the enemy. Military parade uniforms and weapons have beautiful patterns to emphasize solemnity, etc. During this game, players search for patterns and shapes in the war museum exposition. They can be found everywhere - on maps, walls, weapons, uniform cubes. The players are formed into teams of 3-4 members and must go through all the expositions of the museum. After answering the last question, you return to the starting point of the game, after which the correct answers are reviewed and discussed with the game leader.

The educational program deals with the situation in Estonia after World War II until the end of the Cold War when the USSR collapsed. In the workshop students find out how resistance took place in Estonia after the end of World War II. We will discuss whether and how, despite the occupation and repression, the Soviet military bases located on the territory of Estonia, and the suppression of independence efforts, the dream of a free country lived on in people and the re-independence of Estonia became possible. The program takes place in the form of a situational game, where the task of the participants is to choose a character and analyze his choices and opportunities to stand up for Estonia's freedom during the Cold War period, both here and beyond the "Iron Curtain".

Tour around the museum for small children.

Since ancient times, warriors have earned honor and fame for their bravery and cleverness, and have received orders for their heroism. In this workshop, together with the children, we will see which orders are found in the war museum and briefly introduce the history of orders. In the end, everyone crafts a gorgeous order.

A game for active people who are not afraid to go on a secret mission - in the dark, under the cover of smoke through the labyrinths of the underground corridor. The purpose of the reality game "Object X" is to allow participants to assume the roles of secret agents and complete a secret mission in an authentic environment.

Experience the atmosphere of the Soviet era and learn more about the history of Latvia by visiting the secret bunker of the Soviet era, built for the leaders of the country in preparation for nuclear war. The bunker impresses with its authentic attributes and fascinating historical stories.

Defense line "Walk" lecture on the Sooru plateau or the Paju battlefield

It is possible to order lectures on various topics of Estonian military history: World War I in Estonia, War of Independence, forest brotherhood, regaining independence, etc.

There will be a lecture and an introduction to the museum exhibition.

The Alūksne New Palace, which was once the home of the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment, now houses the Alūksne County Museum, where students learn about the history of Alūksne and the importance of the army in its growth in the "Memorial Room of Victims of the Totalitarian Regime" expositions, which tells about the fate of the residents of Alūksne County in Siberia and the Far East , but in the exposition of the history of Alūksne "Feast of the Ages" it will be interesting to learn how time periods from prehistory to the present meet. A separate chapter is dedicated to the contribution of the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment in the military, cultural and social life.

The program promotes students' understanding of the course of deportations carried out by the Soviet authorities, the life of Latvians in exile, emphasizing the preservation of national identity and the consequences of deportations in the development of Latvian history and culture. During the lesson, students will be involved in learning the fate stories of five different characters who experienced deportation events. The stories of the fate of the deported children will be acted out by the museum staff, involving students in the lesson. Under the strict supervision of the Red Army, the participants will have to find the missing fragments in the diaries of the repressed, orient themselves in the sentence written in Russian, find an encrypted text, read it in mirror script, analyze the photo material and look for answers to unclear questions. The tragedy of the time of deportations will be accentuated by the uncomfortable working conditions, the unavailability of materials, contradictory, unconditional demands, the non-compliance of which was punished during the deportations. During the program, students learn to see, discover and analyze causal relationships in historical processes and use them to explain social processes. Finds out the changes that took place during the deportations and concludes how they are related to the political situation in Latvia and the world. Analyzes factors affecting change. Learns to cooperate with peers, to use various material sources. During the program, students learn to recognize and offer solutions in situations where people's physical and emotional safety are threatened, to discuss the moral and ethical aspects of the value of life. Skills are learned to demonstrate behavior that expresses respect and personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of oneself and others in ambiguous situations. The duration of the program is 60 min. It can also take place during trips to schools.

In the Christmas Battle Museum - an authentic battlefield of World War I, we will create an idea for young people about the role of a person in war conditions, the daily life of soldiers and participation in battles. With an insight into military discipline and various interactive tasks focused on team building, we will create emotions that will make you think. After the lesson, you can use the bonfire site and a 7 km long informative walking trail through the battlefields on the territory of the museum.

"Behind Bars" is a historical reality show with audience participation. It is based on true stories from the life of the Karosta warden. The essence and purpose of the performance is to allow each participant to assume the role of a prisoner and get acquainted with the most interesting and shocking facts from the history of the prison.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see the prison, which has hardly changed since the time of the tsar, to learn about the history of Karosta and interesting events from the life of the prison, to see the cells and cells, as well as to get to know the expositions of the Karosta prison museum, which tells about World War II, the Kurelians, the Soviet times.

The idea of the game is to give the participants the opportunity to actively participate - to think, search, run, hide, make decisions, help friends, enjoy feelings that are not easy to find in today's organized everyday life. The game takes place in the Northern Forts - underground and above ground.

An excursion with elements of the show is an event for those who want something more than an ordinary excursion and who are afraid to participate in the show "Behind Bars"! During the tour, you must observe discipline, you must participate in the training of the rank and file, you may be placed in a cell, but in case of disobedience you will be punished.