Olaine History and Art Museum Museum
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The exhibit in the Olaine History and Art Museum is about the period of Soviet occupation in Olaine. A World War I exploration route with restored elements of the fortifications has been created in the territory of the museum. On the site, where the World War I Russian Army defence line once was, a Russian soldier-type dugout has been built and a fragment of a shooting tower can be viewed by visitors. A World War I reinforced concrete fortification can be seen in Jaunolaine, at the intersection to Plakanciems. During World War I, active battles were fought between the Russian and German armies in this area. Latvian Riflemen units were involved in intelligence and various other operations. Marshy lands made it difficult to defend, but this was a very important area in Latvian military history. Olaine was formed due to the convenient location between Jelgava and Riga, where Jaunolaine is currently located. The Olaine manor was nearby. The modern day Olaine was built during the Soviet occupation, when industrial companies began their operations there.
Used sources and references:
Official website of Olaine History and Art Museum. Available: https://olainesmuzejs.lv [Viewed: 20.03.2021.].
Educational programs
Touch the past. Understand today
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.
Time travel. 1919
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.
Related timeline
Related stories
About Latvian riflemen in the Olaine area
The memories reflect the daily life of Latvian riflemen in the Olaine area. Not only the living conditions are described, but also the usual task - intelligence of the opponent's positions.
Creation of defensive positions.
The description looks at the battlefield fortification in general. It is based on the experience of the First World War and the situation when it is necessary to organize extensive work on the fortifications.