The permanent exhibition The Road to Freedom, located at 2 Brīvības Street, Ogre, offers museum education programmes for students of all age groups. Through interactive activities, discussions and hands-on learning, these programmes introduce pupils to Latvia’s history in an engaging and meaningful way.
Museum Educational Programme Case No. 1918: Freedom and Resistance for Grades 10-12
This programme introduces students to the key events of the 20th century that shaped Latvia’s path towards freedom and independence. Through an engaging and thought-provoking approach, participants explore the courage, choices and actions of individuals during different periods of history, discovering personal stories and historical events that have become an essential part of Latvia’s national identity.
During an interactive guided exploration of the exhibition, students will examine four major historical themes united by the enduring pursuit of freedom:
- World War I, the founding of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian War of Independence;
- World War II, the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Latvia, and political repression;
- The National Partisan movement and other forms of resistance;
- The Awakening (Atmoda) and the restoration of Latvia’s independence.
The practical part of the programme encourages students to work with specially prepared activity folders, analyse historical sources and reflect on the power of language, symbolism and identity. Through role-playing activities, participants place themselves in the situations faced by people of the time, making difficult decisions and considering the consequences of their actions. The session concludes with a discussion that encourages students to reflect on the meaning of freedom and its significance today.
Participation fee: €1.50 per student
Duration: 2 hours
Registration: uldis.veliks@ogresnovads.lv
Museum Educational Programme Case No. 1918: Freedom, Identity and Self-Determination for Grades 5-9
This programme encourages students to explore the importance of freedom, identity and self-determination in both Latvia’s history and contemporary society.
It invites participants to consider that freedom is not merely a historical achievement or a value won once and for all, but an ongoing process built upon everyday choices, responsibility, participation and civic engagement. The programme helps students strengthen their sense of belonging to Latvia while developing an understanding of national identity and its significance.
The first part of the programme takes students on an interactive journey through the exhibition. Guided by thought-provoking questions, discussions and moments for reflection, participants explore Latvia’s path to freedom by tracing the most significant events and personalities of the 20th century whose courage, decisions and actions shaped the nation’s history.
The exhibition narrative is organised around four key historical themes:
- World War I, the founding of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian War of Independence;
- World War II, the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Latvia, and political repression;
- The National Partisan movement and other forms of resistance;
- The Awakening (Atmoda) and the restoration of Latvia’s independence.
During the second part of the programme, students work in groups, examining historical sources, documents and archival materials. Through a variety of practical tasks, they analyse information, evaluate historical events critically and seek answers to questions about freedom, personal choice and identity.
Participants are encouraged to connect historical events with their own experiences, values and personal identity while developing their ability to express and justify their opinions.
The programme concludes with a discussion about the symbols of freedom and their significance in Latvian culture and society, exploring how they reflect national identity, belonging and shared values. Students are invited to share their impressions of the programme and reflect on the ideas, stories and experiences that inspired or surprised them most.
Participation fee: €1.50 per student
Duration: 2 hours
Registration: uldis.veliks@ogresnovads.lv
Museum Educational Programme Case No. 1918: Freedom and Courage Through a Child’s Eyes for Grades 1-4
In this programme, historical events are presented through simple language, educational games and creative activities designed specifically for younger learners.
Children explore Latvia’s history through the values of courage, unity and love for their country, without the need to engage with complex historical details. The programme encourages them to understand history through their own feelings, experiences and associations.
As they journey through the exhibition, students discover four major events of the 20th century that shaped Latvia’s path to freedom. Each theme is accompanied by an interactive activity, game or practical task, helping children understand the key events that contributed to the creation of the Latvian state and its national identity.
The programme explores:
- the development of the Latvian people’s aspiration for their own independent state;
- World War I in the territory of Latvia, the Latvian Riflemen, the Latvian War of Independence, the founding of the Republic of Latvia, the achievement of independence, recognition symbols and military awards, as well as Latvia’s development and innovations during the interwar period;
- World War II, the occupations of Latvia, the National Partisans, different forms of resistance, and the preservation of objects important to Latvian identity;
- the Awakening (Atmoda), the Baltic Way, the Barricades and the restoration of Latvia’s independence.
During the creative workshop, children draw what they love most about Latvia, inspired by what they have experienced during the programme. The session concludes with singing a song together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Participation fee: €1.50 per student
Duration: 1.5 hours
Registration: uldis.veliks@ogresnovads.lv
Location: 2 Brīvības Street, Ogre
Photo: Oksana Okmi Mizgajeva
