On November 21, 2025, the BaltHerNet Youth Seminar brought new energy to the tradition of gatherings for young researchers of the Baltic diaspora. Held at the LaPa Museum in Riga, the seminar gathered students and scholars from three universities, alongside experts from key heritage institutions including the Latvians Abroad Museum, the National Archives of Latvia, the National Archives of Estonia, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and the University of Latvia.
Presenters represented a broad range of disciplines—history, art history, ethnology, folkloristics — and diverse academic levels, from bachelor’s students to PhD researchers. Together, they explored how memory, identity, and creativity shaped the understanding of Baltic experiences in exile. Topics ranged from memorials as spaces of belonging, to the artistic expressions of refugees, the role of information centers in late Soviet Estonia, and the creating a sense of belonging of Baltic communities overseas.
Beyond the formal presentations, the seminar offered a valuable platform for networking, mentoring, and dialogue between emerging scholars and experienced professionals.
The atmosphere was open, collegial, and forward-looking—exactly the kind of setting that helps younger researchers find their footing within the broader Baltic heritage community.
A key outcome of the day was a shared recognition of the importance of continuing this series. Participants agreed that such seminars are not only academically engaging but also essential for building connections across generations and borders. They foster the exchange of ideas and strengthen collaboration between archives and museums.
Katariina Sofia Päts