An Exhibition on Latvian Captains and Ships That Made History Will Open in Ventspils

The traveling exhibition "Ships and Captains under the Red-White-Red Flag" has been prepared by the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. Visitors will learn about the fates of famous Latvian captains, their ships, and the role of navigation in the country's history. The exhibition covers several important historical periods — from the proclamation of Latvia's independence in 1918 to the restoration of statehood in 1991. After November 18, 1918, the Latvian flag appeared on commercial and military vessels. During the War of Independence and World War II, sailors participated in defending the interests of the state. During the Soviet occupation, some of them continued to preserve national traditions and the memory of independent Latvia abroad. Particular attention in the exhibition is given to the personal stories of captains whose fates were closely linked to the political upheavals of the 20th century. Visitors will learn about sea voyages, life in emigration, and the return of the national flag to Latvian ships after the restoration of independence. Historical documents and other materials from the collections of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, the Latvian War Museum, and the archive of film, photo, and audio documents of the National Archive of Latvia have been used to prepare the exhibition. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the state holidays in November. The organizers note that the exhibition aims to remind not only of the history of navigation but also of the people who, even in difficult circumstances, maintained their connection to their homeland.