Browse our unique collection to learn more about Latvia's history and culture—and get to know Latvia and the Latvians through our pictures and travelogues.

Silvija and Peters

Books, albums, and more!

• The quintessential view of the Riga skyline, circa 1550, and still recognizeable today, from Sebastian Munster's "Cosmographia Universalis", and part of the Lord's Prayer in Latvian
• "Foreign Corn Ports-Riga", The Illustrated London News, news article with engraved illustrations, full reprint; pub. 1847
• "Livlandische Schweiz" (The Livonian Switzerland), a scenic Latvian photo album (20 pictures) by C. Schulz, ca. 1880
• "RIGA", The National Encyclopedia, the full entry for Riga, accompanied with engraved illustration; full reprint; pub. circa 1897
• Album "Riga" ca. 1910, a large-format photo album (3 dozen pictures) of Riga at the start of the 20th century
• "In Memory of the First President of Latvia, Jānis Čakste", a memorial photo album dedicated to the first President of Latvia; pub. 1927
• "Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland", The New Human Interest Library, illustrated encyclopedia articles on the Baltic countries, published 1928
• "The Freedom Monument" (Brīvības Piemineklis), art critic Jānis Siliņš' discussion of the Freedom Monument (complete, partially translated), 1935
• The First Latvian Arts and Crafts Exhibition (I Latvijas Daiļamatniecības Izstāde), complete catalog, 1937
• Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, full text of the secret protocol carving up Eastern Europe between Stalin and Hitler, 1939
• "Where now is the sovietisation?", Latvian Economic Review, Foreign Minister V. Munter's address at the Latvian University delivered February, 1940; as published April 1940
• "These Names Accuse—Nominal List of Latvians Deported to Soviet Russia", the circumstances leading up to and including the Soviet occupation and deportations of 1940-1941 during the "Year of Terror" ("Baigais Gads" in Latvian), and list of those deported; second edition, pub. Stockholm, 1982
• "Latvia Under German Occupation in 1943", published by the Latvian Legation, 1944, recounting a year of occupation under the Nazis
• "Primary Sources in European Diplomacy, 1914-1945 A Bibliography of Published Memoirs and Diaries", by Frederic M. Messick, a compilation listing all published first-hand accounts of the major diplomatic events and personal experiences of the WWI to WWII period, reference excerpt
• "Latviesu Trimdinieka Kalendars 1947" (The Latvian Exile's Calendar 1947), complete facsimile [Latvian] and poetry translations; published in the D.P. camps, 1947
• "Kopoti Raksti" (Karlis Skalbe's Collected Works), excerpted and translated poetry, ca. 1947
• Folk Costumes (Anna Darzina postcards), pictures and details; published in the D.P. camps, ca. 1948
• "Latviska un Moderna Virtuve" (The Latvian and Modern Kitchen), traditional Latvian recipes, excerpts and translations; pub. Fischbach D.P. Camp, Germany, 1949
• "The Story of Latvia—A Historical Survey", Arved Švābe's concise history of Latvia, from the Balts inhabiting now western Russia through the Soviet occupation (complete book, also in PDF), 1949
• "Latvia—Our Dream is Coming True", quintessential Soviet propaganda by Vilis Lacis—a lesson for today; complete book; published 1959
• "Pa Latvijas Celiem" (Along Latvia's Roads), inscribed Soviet-era postcard set, ca. 1960
• "Attitudes of the Major Soviet Nationalities, Latvia and the Latvians", a project of M.I.T.'s Center for International Studies; complete book, also in PDF format; pub. 1973
• "Soviet Aggression Against the Baltic States", Supreme Court Senator August Rumpēters superbly detailed and annotated treatise examining the Soviet-Baltic relationship and its basis in treaties and international law, published 1974

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• Estonia Counts her Blessings — Reflections on the survival of Estonia, an essay by Juri Estam
  Feb 23 '08

• The Riga Zoo, Exploring Riga's 40 acre (16 hectare) zoo. An easy ride on the No. 11 tram from the center of town.
• Alberta Iela, One of the finest surviving examples of the German Art Nouveau movement of a century ago.
• Pilgrimage to the Past, Peters seeks his family's roots in Kurzeme and Vidzeme—where his mother returns to the scene of her own childhood after more than half a century.
• The Organ of Liepaja's Church of the Holy Trinity, The most intact surviving handiwork of J.S. Bach's favorite master organ builder.

Silvija's Trips

• July 1977, Silvija's first trip! A pivotal experience whose significance has only deepened with time.
• Silvija's Story, Latvian strength and love of family in the face of Soviet oppression and hopelessness.

Peters' Trips

• October 1996, Autumn colors in Rīga and Kuldīga.
• August 1997, Cemetery service for the victims of Soviet deportation; Mordanga, and Rīga.
• October 1994, Highlights of Peters' roots-seeking trip.
• July 1995, A whirlwind tour: Aglona, Bauska, Brīvdabas (Ethnographic) Museum, Jaunmoku Castle, Jelgava, Liepāja, Rīga, and Rundāle's Palace.
• August 1993, Riga and Usma.
• December 1997-New Year's, Latvia twice in one year!
• Peters' Story, Collapse of the Soviet Union brings an unhoped-for opportunity.
• October 1992, Peters' first trip! From his grandfather's water mill to goat-walking in Riga.
• December 2002, Wandering (lots of pictures) far and wide in winter Rīga.

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