Exhibition “Siberian Testimonies” at the Ogre History and Art Museum. Fragment. (Video)

14 June – Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communist Genocide

Commemorating the tragic events in Latvian history, visitors were invited to explore the exhibition “Siberian Testimonies,” which opened at the Ogre History and Art Museum on 14 June 2024. It was the museum’s first exhibition to detail the fates of residents subjected to imprisonment and exile.

📍 The exhibition documented the crimes of the communist regime against the Latvian people – deportations, imprisonment, and life in exile. Its message is particularly relevant today, as Russia, the legal successor to the USSR, continues its aggression against Ukraine.

💬 Alongside historical facts, the exhibition reflected people’s resilience, spiritual strength, and spirit of resistance, which helped them survive inhumane conditions.

📖 The life stories of repressed residents of the region serve as a reminder of our history and a call to remain vigilant against any form of aggression. The exhibition emphasised that humanity and the will to return home can be preserved even in the most brutal conditions.

🎥 Narrated by OHAM historian Inese Dreimane.

👥 Exhibition creators:
🔹 Ritvars Jansons, Dr. hist., Deputy Director for Scientific Work at OHAM. Specializes in the research of the communist regime and repressions. Author of the monograph “Activities of the Latvian SSR Security Institutions: (1944–1956),” co-author of the book “Siberian Letters on Birch Bark.”
🔹 Inese Dreimane, Mg. hist., researches armed resistance and repressive institutions. Author of the book “Letter with an Attachment.”
🔹 Olivers Pavičevičs, designer and programmer. In Latvia, he has created virtual reality exhibitions at the Zilaiskalns Museum and interactive projects, including those for the children’s book “Kurbads.”