VABAMU Museum of Occupations and Freedom
The VABAMU Museum of Occupations and Freedom is guided by the mission “NEVER AGAIN”. VABAMU carries out this mission through exhibitions and collections, education programs (NoVa), and international outreach. Founded as a non-profit independent museum, it operates as a global resource/research center. Vabamu serves as a poignant reminder of how the past shapes the future.
The purpose of the project is to develop and promote a new exhibit exploring the stories of global Estonians. This emphasizes the international dimension to the preservation of freedom by exploring Estonian migration through the centuries and place these stories in a broader global context where migration, colonialism, and exile intersect.
While it traces the movement of Estonians from prehistoric times, the primary focus is placed on the emigration of Estonian peasants during the Russian Empire, the mass exodus during World War II, and the subsequent formation of Estonian communities and their role in restoring Estonia’s independence.
Particular attention will be on the Estonian community in Canada, which for decades has played an important role in preserving Estonian culture and advocating for its freedom. An important part of the project is the opportunity for these communities outside of Estonia to host a travelling version of the exhibition. Adapted versions – both digital and physical – could be displayed in Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Australia.
