The mission of the Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre is to:
- PROMOTE an understanding and knowledge of emigration from Latvia during the time from the 19th century to the present day;
- PROMOTE an understanding and knowledge of the diverse experiences of Latvians abroad, their contribution to Latvia and how they have shaped their Latvian identity outside Latvia;
- ENCOURAGE cooperation and mutual understanding in society.
The aims of the Museum are to:
- PRESERVE the material and non-material culture of Latvians abroad – objects, photographs, documents and stories;
- RESEARCH the history of waves of emigration and the life of Latvians abroad over the past 200 years, including recent emigrants;
- EXPLAIN the motivation for emigrating for Latvians living abroad, how Latvian identity is maintained in various countries, the interaction of Latvian communities and political activities with the culture of their countries of residence, the link to Latvia and the contribution to the world and Latvia;
- INSPIRE
- belonging to the Latvian nation, by expanding knowledge, mutual understanding and communication through the Museum programs;
- an active interest among Latvians living abroad about their family history and thus to promote the preservation of emigrant history both in the family and in the Museum.
To attain our aims, the Museum has the following objectives:
- to CREATE interesting and educational exhibitions, films, publications and programs for a broad audience of viewers and participants;
- to COLLECT AND PRESERVE the material and non-material culture of emigrants and their organisations: documents, archives, photographs, objects and stories;
- to COMPILE publications in the Museum library about the history of Latvian emigration;
- to COMMUNICATE with Latvian communities abroad, Latvian state and cultural institutions, as well as organisations in other countries and international migration institutions;
- to FIND a permanent home for the Museum;
- to OBTAIN funding for maintaining the Museum and research centre, making use of project grants, donations and sales;
- to CREATE AND MAINTAIN a communication and information network with Latvians throughout the world via the following means: the Latvians Abroad Museum homepage https://www.lapamuzejs.lv/ and its Facebook.com page, with brochures and newspaper publications, presentations, and stands at Latvian events abroad.