Republic of Estonia 107 in Pärnu Museum

Let's celebrate the 107th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia together with exciting exhibitions, themed lectures, tours, talks, and workshops, as well as the printing of the independence manifesto. 
The Pärnu Museum, Koidula Museum, and the Red Tower are open on February 23 and 24 from 10 AM to 6 PM. 

AT THE PÄRNU MUSEUM

Exhibitions

“The Weavers of Golden Money” (open from 21.02)

The song and dance festival tradition has contributed to the evolution of national costumes into a national symbol and an expression of Estonian identity. Before the next big festival, there's a reason to air out the old and prepare the new. To maintain the connection with the original and keep the source of inspiration flowing, the exhibition "The Weavers of Golden Money" was created. Clothing items from the museum's ethnography collection are displayed alongside ensembles made in the style of museum exhibits, and visitors can see the clothing of Pärnu song and dance festival participants over time. Nationally themed garments and items, which express love and respect for ancestral traditions and skills in a playful manner, also have their part.

“Estonia Thanks”: State and Official Decorations of Estonia (open from 7.02)

The exhibition features a large selection of Estonian state decorations. Visitors can see various classes of the Freedom Cross, White Star, Cross of Merit of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Cross of Merit of the Order of the National Coat of Arms, Order of the Eagle Cross, and the Estonian Red Cross decorations. Additionally, badges of honor from the Defense League, its districts and sub-organizations, the Defense Forces, the Police and Border Guard Board, and the Rescue Board, as well as service and recognition marks from the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Forces, are part of the display. There are also ecclesiastical and society badges of honor and awards and decorations of municipalities, cities, and various institutions and organizations.

The exhibition is enhanced with a film program that allows visitors to explore the everyday life of the workshop of the decoration makers. The making of the insignia of the President of the Republic can also be viewed.

"Fragments from the Birth Story of the Republic of Estonia: Citizens of a Free State" (open from 14.02)

On February 23, 1918, at eight in the evening, the "Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia" was publicly read for the first time from the balcony of the Endla Society building, with Pärnu female high school students handing out ribbons among the gathered crowd. The blue, black, and white ribbons were the first symbols of the citizens of the Republic of Estonia. A photographic record of the twelve girls who made and distributed the ribbons gives the historical grand event a face. "Citizens of a Free State" is an exhibition that provides answers to who these girls were and what their fate was. 

Wearing the blue, black, and white ribbons was the first expression of patriotism, which the museum calls to be repeated annually on February 23.

Events

On February 20 at 5:30 PM

Lecture series "In the Footsteps of Time" lecture “Key Events Ensuring Military Victory in the War of Independence”
Art Johanson, Lecturer of Military History and Strategic Planning at the Baltic Defence College

The lecture discusses the major changes and influencers in the War of Independence. Firstly, how did Estonia manage to form one of the most powerful military forces in the region and what contributed to this? Topics include the Red Army's own decisions that indirectly gave Estonia time to regroup. Additionally, the lecture covers Estonia's ability to turn events in the Landeswehr War in its favor and autumn 1919 events that aided negotiations with Soviet Russia to recognize Estonian independence. 

Ticket 6€ is available in presale or at the museum box office before the lecture.
* Free for general education school teachers and museum card holders

February 22–24 from 11 AM to 4 PM

Jürvetson's Printing House: Independence Manifesto Printing Workshops

On February 23, 1918, the "Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia" composed two days earlier was printed in Aleksander Jürvetson's print shop. In the print shop at that time, Maria Jürvetson, Aleksander's wife, organized the composing and printing of the manifesto. The manifesto was swiftly posted in Pärnu, and the same day in the evening, the member of the Estonian Provincial Assembly from Pärnu, Hugo Kuusner, publicly read it from the balcony of the Endla Theatre to city residents and Estonian battalion soldiers.

During the anniversary week, the foyer of the Pärnu Museum will become a replica of the former Jürvetson's printing house. Guided by printers, you can print your own personal manifesto. 

Workshops take place on the hour and half-hour until 4 PM. 

Conductors: Tiit Kask and Margo Samorokov

A spot in the workshop – 6€. Pre-registration is required. 
Workshop tickets are available in presale on the website or at the Pärnu Museum box office. If spots are available, you can purchase a ticket on the same day and before the workshop.

There are 4 spots in one 30-minute workshop. 

The workshop ticket also grants access to the exhibition "Fragments from the Birth Story of the Republic of Estonia: Citizens of a Free State". 

On February 24 

At 12 PM and 1 PM – Museum grandmother Aili's story room "Wake-up Stories" (for ages 4–7) and museum game at exhibitions (for ages 8–11)
From 12 PM to 3 PM – crafting room "Blue-Black-and-White" (for enthusiasts of all ages)

Participation in story rooms, games, and workshops is included with a museum ticket or museum card (free for under 8s).

At 2 PM at the Koidula Museum – “The Birth Story of the National Anthem of Estonia” with museum director Elmar Tring

Participation with a museum ticket or museum card

Overview of "EV 107" events at the museum.

Wishing you a memorable and educational Republic of Estonia anniversary!