In the Footsteps of the Third Awakening

Target audience: grade 5–12

This lesson gives pupils an in-depth look at the events of the Third Awakening, covering the period from 1985 to 1991. The participants get acquainted with a collection of objects, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Latvian and Baltic independence efforts in the second half of the 1980s. During the lesson, pupils learn about the formation of the Popular Front of Latvia, the Baltic Way campaign, the adoption of the Independence Declaration of 4 May, 1990, the 1991 Barricades, and other significant events in Latvian recent history.

Procedure: the lesson consists of two parts – a guide’s narration and then worksheet exercises, which allows participants to explore the exhibition in-depth. The lesson takes place in a unique building – the headquarters of the Popular Front of Latvia, where important decisions were made and historic events took place, organising the path to the restoration of Latvia’s independence. Currently, the museum of the Popular Front Museum is housed in this building.