On February 9, 2022 the presentation of the unique project “Archive of Lithuanian Oral History of the Roma” will take place in Martynas Mažvydas Library in Vilnius.
During the project, researchers from Lithuania and other countries, experts in the Roma language and history collected ethnographic material about the Lithuanian Roma community, memories of the war, experiences of nomadic life, life in the Soviet era, and traditional dishes. Those who come to the event will hear authentic stories, see archival photos that have not been published anywhere before, and will be able to ask questions of concern.
The event will feature scientific presentations on the history, culture and language of the Lithuanian Roma. Speakers: Gopal Mikhailovsky (Central European University, CEU, Vienna), dr. Kirill Kozhanov (Södetörn University, Stockholm), Aušra Simoniukštytė (Vilnius College, Vilnius), Agnieška Avin (Center for Social Anthropology, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas).
There will also be a discussion on the archive creation process and future perspectives. The discussion will be attended by the Director of the Documentary Heritage Research Department (DPTD) of the National Library, dr. Jolanta Budriūnienė, linguist dr. Kirillas Kozhanovas, activist of the Lithuanian Roma community Gopalas Mikhailovskis, researcher of Roma culture in Lithuania Aušra Simoniukštytė, lecturer at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies of Vilnius University, Sanskritologist Vytis Vidūnas, chief methodologist-researcher of the Department of Lithuanian Studies at DPTD prof. dr. Jolanta Zabarskaitė. The event will be moderated by Agnieška Avin, an anthropologist and educator of the multicultural day center “Help to Fit”.
Representatives of the Lithuanian Roma community, the Department of National Minorities under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, and the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania will deliver a welcome speech.
Speaking about the importance and uniqueness of the archive, Gopal Mikhailovsky shares his thoughts: “This archive is a historical moment in the bars of Roma culture. Although only a small part of the cultural whole is presented here, its emergence is a sign that the Lithuanian state is maturing in terms of Roma culture. Here, the Roma of Lithuania, litóvska romá, tell experiences in their mother tongue in various periods of history. ”
A free publication will be distributed during the event.
We look forward to seeing you!
Te javen bachtale!
Organizers of the project “Help to Fit”, Roma Community Center.
Project partner Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.
The project was partially funded by the Department of National Minorities under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Culture Council, and Vilnius City Municipality.
Please register here https://bit.ly/3KMAPwm.