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WEEKLY VISIT TO THE MUSEUM

WEEK #1

January 6, 2021

Lithuanian Americans support Lithuanian independence

Balzekas Museum archival photograph: Lithuanian American Roman Catholic Aid for Lithuania at Divine Providence parish, January 6, 1917
Balzekas Museum archival photograph: Lithuanian American Roman Catholic Aid for Lithuania at Divine Providence parish, January 6, 1917

Photograph of the Amerikos Lietuvių R. K. Gelbėjimas Lietuvos, 31 skirius Dievo Apvaizdos Parapijos, susitvėrė Sausio 6 d. 1917 m., Chicago, Ill. (31st Chapter of Lithuanian American Roman Catholic Aid for Lithuania at Divine Providence parish, January 6, 1917)

From the Irene Balzekas Memorial Map Collection

Over the decades of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lithuanians in America never lost the desire to see an independent homeland. Many had come to the U.S. to escape oppression or conscription in the Tsar’s army. News of revolts and unrest in Russia raised the hopes of many both in the U.S. and in Lithuania itself. The dynamics of World War I both intervened with and magnified the hopes for independence. Lithuanian American leaders and activists organized to support the struggle for independence and to push for it from this side of the Atlantic. This independence movement lasted for years. Independence was declared by Lithuania in Vilnius on February 16, 1918. It took several more years for Lithuanians to gain their adopted country’s recognition of that independence.

On January 6, 1917, Lithuanians met at the Divine Providence (Dievo Apvaizda) parish to organize their support for Lithuanian independence. The church, the community, and the leadership of the Lithuanian organizations prepared to do what was necessary to obtain freedom for Lithuania from Russia.

This virtual exhibit is supported in part by grants from the following:

City Seal of Chicago
Illinois Humanities
Illinois Arts Council Agency

The Balzekas Museum gratefully acknowledges these grantors as well as the members and private donors whose contributions support museum programs and activities.

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  • BALZEKAS MUSEUM of
    LITHUANIAN CULTURE
  • About
  • Visit
  • Genealogy
  • Exhibits & Programs
    • A Weekly Visit to the Balzekas Museum
    • Lithuanian Life and Landmarks in America
    • “No Home To Go To: The Story of Baltic Displaced Persons from 1944-52”
    • A Night at the Opera – Chicago Lithuanian Opera Performances from the Aleksandras Plenys Collection
    • Lithuanian Opera Company of Chicago- Aleksandras Plenys Collection
  • Workshops/Classes
  • Membership
  • Travel
  • Gift Shop
  • Contact

Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture

6500 South Pulaski Road
Chicago IL 60629
USA
Tel. 773.582.6500
The Balzekas Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution registered in the State of Illinois: EIN: 36-6140176

Thank You – Ačiū!

The Balzekas Museum is supported in part by grants from the following sponsors:

lithuanian_foundation_logo

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