Theme

"Abandon all hope ye who enter here”. This phrase from Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" could easily have been inscribed on the gates of the many so-called corrective labor colonies of the former Soviet Union, often referred to colloquially to this day as the Gulag prison system of the USSR. The highly...

Members and friends of Kesk-Florida Eesti Selts, the Estonian Society of Central Florida were delighted to attend Azara Ballet’s engaging performance titled “Encore” on November 14 and 15, 2025, in the Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota (FL).  Martin Flowers (Roosaare), Azara Ballet’s co-founder and resident choreographer, graciously extended complimentary tickets...

Many are still reminiscing about Summer 2025 in Estonia with happy and moving memories about ESTO 2025 and the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma”.  The Estonian American National Council (EANC) - Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides (ERKÜ) is proud to support such meaningful events in various ways. As we continue...

The Christmas market on Tallinn’s Town Hall Square opened on November 21. It is like a winter fairytale land – the square is decorated with a sparkling Christmas tree and surrounded by small wooden huts. These offer everything from Christmas goods and gifts to food and drinks. Strolling through the...

Dear Council Member Keith Powers, dear President of the Estonian House Carl Skonberg, dear community representatives, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to honor the legacy of Estonian diplomat Mr Ernst Jaakson. He who represented Estonia in New York from 1932 until 1998, until his passing. He was recognized...

Ernst Jaakson is not only a historical figure. For Estonian diplomats, he stands as one of the towering personalities of our foreign service – a man with a moral compass many could envy. His life story is something that could only emerge from the combination of a person deeply committed...

In his narrative nonfiction masterpiece, “In the Garden of Beasts,” Erik Larson writes about the rise of Hitler in 1933-34. He delves into the life of the new American ambassador in Berlin, William Dodd, who slowly comes to realize that something treacherous is afoot. Even though Dodd and a few...

Three years ago, Estonian gallerist and art dealer Margot Samel opened her own gallery in New York City. Since then, Samel has been working to promote young artists and even sold her first work in New York to Leonardo DiCaprio. Estonian gallerist Margot Samel studied art history in Scotland, where...

The Washington Estonian Society (WES) has been keeping busy this fall! On Sunday, October 19, 2025, more than thirty Estonians and friends came together for our annual hike and social outing at Sugarloaf Mountain’s Stronghold recreation area. The day couldn’t have been more perfect — blue skies, warm air, and...

Estonian jewelry artist Claudia Lepik will present her striking work at the Endless Light Ceremony during NYC Jewelry Week 2025 on November 20 (2–8 PM) at Flux Lumina Studio, 154 E 2nd Street, New York. Known for pushing the boundaries of jewelry through scale, form, and material, Lepik explores the...