A Worldwide Lithuania: Our Migration Story

On 22 November 2023, the Lithuanian National Museum’s House of Histories will present a special exhibition devoted to the processes of Lithuanian migration from the mid-19th century to the present day.

Visitors will have the chance to learn about the main waves of migration and their destinations, causes, and consequences, as well as the stories of prominent individuals who, through their lives and accomplishments, left their mark on a global context. The exhibition has been designed to help visitors experience the different periods and environments of various waves of migration, and will feature the unique stories contained within the everyday narratives of migration.

The exhibition will lead visitors on a journey to a central message: Migration is a natural historical process with negative and positive aspects, but one which has undoubtedly allowed Lithuanians to change the world, and the world to change Lithuania.

The goal of the exhibition organizers has been to bring people living in Lithuania and abroad closer together, and will therefore include diaspora Lithuanians as well as foreigners residing in Lithuania, highlighting not only historical processes but also events taking place today. To expand our understanding of Lithuania’s history through the achievements and discoveries made in the diaspora, we will recall the accomplishments of individuals who worked and lived beyond Lithuania’s borders and had a profound impact on the world.

In the hope of collecting as many stories as possible to gain a better understanding and knowledge of migration experiences, work on this exhibition began several years ago, including: organizing Migration Stories Festivals in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the creation of a special website and dedicated social media group to collect stories; sending an expedition to visit Lithuanian communities in North and South America; the broadcast of a ten-episode radio series on the Lithuanian public radio program LRT Klasika; and the meticulous collection of exhibit items and work with university students and Lithuanian heritage school pupils abroad.

The exhibition is under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.