Want to learn more about Latvia and our heritage? Check out this page for a quick history lesson:
In 2018, the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia celebrated 100 years of independence. The long years of Soviet occupation included hundreds of thousands of deportations and lost lives that must never be forgotten. Organizations throughout the world and many public demonstrations like the historic Baltic Way helped support these nations to reclaim their autonomy.
Fortunately, the last century has been a time of great change in these nations as they have rebuilt their countries and joined the EU. Many people whose parents left as refugees, have returned to their homelands. Some of us remain in our new countries, but still have the Baltics in our hearts.
Specific Event Support
LRFA regularly sponsors events and organizations that support Baltic culture and reflect the interests of our members. By supporting these worthwhile endeavors, we are helping them to grow and continue educating future generations.
- Cultural events like Latvian Song & Dance Festivals in the US and Canada. Stop by our table!
- Educational programs (summer camps, language programs, Baltic studies)
- Baltic conferences and studies
- Other Latvian community events (e.g., music, museum exhibitions, public radio shows)
- Initial stages of major construction of US Latvian centers
- Support for historic projects like The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia in Riga, Latvia
- August 2015 – 24 Hours of Latvian New Music with ‘Jaunā Mūzika: Latvija’
History of support for other organizations in the U.S.
From our early beginnings we have partnered with other Latvian-American organizations to build a thriving community. We recently embarked on a project to organize the LRFA archives and were reminded of these rich relationships. From seed funding to mortgages, LRFA helped lay the foundation for many of these organizations that continue to flourish today.
- American Latvian Association
- Latvian Societies & Clubs
- Youth programs such as the Latvian Scouts and summer camps
- Latvian Veterans groups
- Latvian Broadcasting in Chicago
- Latvian Churches & homes for the elderly
- In 2009, LRFA provided a loan to the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Washington, DC so that they could improve access for the elderly and disabled. We provided additional funding to build a retirement home.
Links to Baltic cultural organizations
This page contains links from Latvia, as well as Baltic-American associations. Links are provided for reference only. Please contact the organizations themselves with any questions.
Organizations & Communities
- Embassy of Latvia
- American Latvian Association
- American Latvian Youth Association
- Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies
- American Latvian Artists
- The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc.
- Latvians Online
- Latviesi Amerika
- NJ Latvian Society – Priedaine
- Philadelphia Latvian Society
- World Federation of Free Latvians
Latvian Summer Camps in the U.S. and Educational Opportunities
- Latvian Center Garezers (Michigan)
- Catskills Camp (New York)
- Kursa, West Coast Latvian Summer School (Washington state)
- Baltic Studies Program at University of Washington
- Baltic and Finnish Studies at Indiana University
- Baltic Studies Program at Yale College
Make a Donation
Did you know that your donation to LRFA’s charitable works is tax-deductible? Make a donation and support our organization’s efforts. There are several options when making a donation. You can make a contribution via PayPal below or mail us a check today. In addition, you can make bequest or make LRFA a beneficiary as part of your estate planning.