Join VEMU ÖÖTV on August 29th for a journey through Estonian-Canadian history, music, and stories

VINCENT TEETSOV

On Saturday August 29th, VEMU, the Museum of Estonians Abroad will be taking part in the vibrant pan-European tradition known as the Night of Museums. In Estonia, this is known as Muuseumiöö. It’s a celebration of the wonders of night, and the discovery of those wonders that we can find in museums.

Last year alone, over 100,000 visits were made to Estonian museums on the night. Now, VEMU is bringing their own interpretation of the event for the first time ever with VEMU ÖÖTV, a special virtually broadcasted show for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. While this year’s Muuseumiöö theme is “Öös on aega” (“Time in the Night”), the show’s theme will be adapted

into “Öös on väliseesti aega” (where väliseesti means “Estonians abroad”), which means that you can take a peek into the time väliseestlased – Estonians who had to leave their homeland after the Second World War – have spent in Canada.

As the organizers of Muuseumiöö have said, the 2020 event is a chance to explore time “in all its aspects and forms.” How is time observed? How is time grasped in songs or even in buildings? How do we measure time?

Over the years, Muuseumiöö participants have witnessed stars, treasure, stories, parties, people, cinema, designs, and games. With VEMU ÖÖTV, viewers will get an exclusive look into the distinct heritage and history of Estonians in Canada. You can expect a tour of the extensive VEMU collection, the largest collection of Estonian culture outside of Estonia. Archival videos that are seldom played publicly will be shown, too.

Those who watch will discover the home of VEMU: Tartu College. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Tartu College is a beacon of post-war architecture in Canada and a symbol of the Estonian diaspora.

In the special program, “Forgotten News” (Unustatud uudised), we’ll hear headlines and news of days gone by, all from the date of August 29th, from Canada’s Estonian newspapers: Meie Elu, Vaba Eestlane, and Eesti Elu.

It’s no secret that Estonians’ appreciation for music came to Canada with them. To cap off the show, the best of VEMU’s vinyl record collection will be spun by DJ Rasmus Rattas, with a live chat with musicians about their records, concerts, and more for all you music lovers.

Usually taking place around the time of International Museum Day on May 19th, this year, Muuseumiöö was postponed to August 29th. To add to the excitement, this is the same night as Muinastulede öö (also known as “The Night of Ancient Lights” or “The Night of Ancient Fires”) where the lighting of bonfires unites countries along the Baltic Sea.

If you’ve ever taken part in Toronto’s Nuit Blanche, then you can begin to imagine the scope of Muuseumiöö. The tradition that started in Germany in the late 90s has spread across Europe and beyond into Asia and South America. In Estonia, museums of all varieties have been taking part in this celebration since 2009, showcasing fascinating stories and artifacts for visitors in the rousing atmosphere of the evening. People from every corner of Estonia will enjoy a rich program of events that includes everything from genealogical walks to puppet theatre shows.

But VEMU ÖÖTV will offer something that you won’t find anywhere else!

You can watch the virtual show on their YouTube channel (youtu.be/OswCFVc4UKU) on August 29th, between 11 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time (6 PM to 11 PM in Estonia). Admission is free for all viewers across the world. The show’s precise schedule will be shared closer to the date.

Mark the date in your calendar so you don’t miss out on this unique experience that bridges Canada and Estonia.

Photo: edited image, originally from the Muuseumiöö Facebook page