VEMU Estonian Museum Canada and Estonian Literary Museum Collection Campaign

Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life that, if we are fortunate, awaits each and every one of us, regardless of our national identity or where we live. Through this collection campaign, we are seeking to answer the question: How does a Canadian Estonian grow old?

You can participate in the campaign by registering for an interview or by writing down your thoughts. We also welcome photographs, archival materials, and objects related to the theme.

Topics to reflect on:

• Tell us about your background: where and when were you born, where did you grow up, and where have you lived?
• What do you enjoy doing? If you read books, watch television, etc., do you mainly consume content in Estonian or English?
• Do you have children or grandchildren? What nationalities are their partners? How do you feel about this? Have they attended or do they attend an Estonian school?
• What language do you prefer to communicate in? What language do you use with your children, grandchildren, and friends?
• Was contact with Estonia maintained during your childhood? How? Do you or members of your family have connections with Estonia today? How do you maintain those connections? Have you visited Estonia?
• How do you perceive the younger generation’s interest in Estonian culture? Has it changed during your lifetime or over the years you have lived in Canada? How do you feel about these changes? How important is it to you to preserve the Estonian language and culture in Canada, and in what ways?
• Tell us about your youth, your parents, your home, and working life. Was Estonian culture kept alive in your childhood home? If so, how? How have you carried this on in your adult life?
• Do you sometimes use idioms or proverbs? In Estonian or English? Which ones? Did your parents or other older relatives use them? What special sayings or expressions do you remember from the way your parents and grandparents spoke?
• Were books read to you or fairy tales told to you as a child? In what language? What stories were they? Have you read or told these stories to your children or grandchildren?
• How do you feel about anecdotes and jokes? Were they part of your family life? If you remember one, please share a story.
• Do you like to sing? What songs do you prefer to sing? What language do you prefer to sing in and listen to music in? Was singing and making music part of your childhood home? What kind? Have you ever encountered a regilaul (traditional Estonian runic song)?
• What holidays and special occasions were celebrated in your childhood home, and how?
• What is the best age to be in life? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different stages of life?
• Has your attitude toward aging and older people changed during your lifetime? How? Do you think attitudes differ from country to country?
• Is age just a number? Or is it something more?
• What is the right way to grow old? What can we do to remain in good physical, mental, and emotional shape for many years?
• What are the main challenges faced by older people living in Canada? And what are the joys?
• How does the Canadian state support older people living here? And what about the Estonian community?
• What would you say to a young person who asks how to live a long and happy life? What is your recipe for a good life?

If you are ready to share your story and thoughts with us, please write to piretnoorhani@vemu.ca or call 647-669-0291. We will arrange a suitable time and place for an interview.

The materials collected will be preserved at VEMU and the Estonian Literary Museum.