From One Unknown to Another Unknown: World War II Refugees in Lithuania

Author: Vaida Sirvydaitė Rakutienė
Publisher: M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

Year: 2015

Pages: 200

ISBN: 9789955471554

Dimensions: 21,4 x 29 x 2,2 cm, hardcovers

Language: Lithuanian; the descriptions of illustrations are also provided in English and Polish

In 2014, M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art organized an exhibition "From One Unknown to Another Unknown: World War II Refugees in Lithuania", which showcased the photos taken by photographs Boleslova and Edmundas Zdanauskai. 75 years ago, World War II refugees from Poland fled to Lithuania after the German invasion on September 1, 1939. In support of the country, the Republic of Lithuania had to solve many problems related to the newcomers: security, registration, accommodation, meals, provision of benefits, provision of medical services, and orphan care. The photographs published in the exhibition catalog and the authentic inscriptions printed on their backs reveal the social, cultural, and emotional-psychological aspects of the life of refugees in Vilnius. They also provide a glimpse into the activities of public organizations and societies such as the Red Cross, Vilnius Charity Society, Committee for the Care of Women, etc., and their efforts to extend a helping hand to people overwhelmed by adversity.