The Golden Generation of Aušra
The interactive exhibition The Golden Generation of Aušra tells the story of the courageous, creative, and rebellious Lithuanians of the nineteenth century. These young, educated individuals called themselves “Lovers of Lithuania” and sought to preserve and strengthen Lithuanian identity during a period of intense Russification.
The interactive exhibition, The Golden Generation of Aušra, tells the story of the brave, creative, and rebellious Lithuanians of the nineteenth century. They were young, educated individuals who called themselves “Lovers of Lithuania” and sought to preserve and strengthen Lithuanian identity during a period of intense Russification.
Visitors are invited to discover the Aušrininkai – those who nurtured the Lithuanian language, cared deeply about education, promoted social and economic progress, and at the same time endured censorship, financial hardship, and hostility from various parts of society. Despite these challenges, the monthly magazine Aušra, which they published, became a driving force in the awakening of Lithuanian national consciousness and the revival of the language.
At the heart of the exhibition are interactive printing presses inspired by early printing-house technologies. Visitors can try their hand at typesetting, explore the history of Aušra, discover the bold and rebellious ideas of the time, and even design and print their own postcard dedicated to another “Lover of Lithuania”. Modern technologies help convey the significance of the press during a time when Lithuanian publications were banned, and the spread of ideas relied on networks of book smugglers.
The generation of Aušra were the people who shaped the vision of a modern Lithuania. The exhibition aims to present them as vivid, complex, and highly creative young individuals who, despite restrictions and risks, believed in the power of their ideas. Through interactive elements, visitors gain a closer understanding of their work – and of the immense effort required to produce every single Lithuanian word.