Baltic-German Arts of Survival - Baltic-German childhood experiences and the (re)experience of 'Heimat'.

Baltic German culture is an essential, yet often forgotten and silenced part of Estonian culture. Recognizing Baltic Germans as part of Estonian culture is crucial for a complete understanding.The project explores an unstudied topic, the impact of childhood experiences on the identity of those who left Estonia during the 1939-1941 resettlement, their relationship with former Heimat and new home, connections with relatives and community, expressions of homesickness, and practices of re-experiencing and transmitting the Heimat to the next generations, drawing comparisons with the Estonian diaspora. In addition to archival materials, interviews will be conducted with those who resettled as children or their adult descendants. Considering the project’s focus period, conducting these interviews in the coming years is time-critical. The resulting material and knowledge will enable extensive follow-up studies and raise awareness of the interconnectedness of Baltic German and Estonian cultures