Cultural and Historical Conference “Women in the Piebalga Cultural Space: Personalities and Heritage”

As part of the “Vecpiebalga Opens Its Doors 2026” celebrations, the conference “Women in the Piebalga Cultural Space: Personalities and Heritage” will take place on 24 July at Vecpiebalga Manor in Ineši. The conference will also be attended by Dr philol. Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, Director and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia.

Eva Eglāja-Kristsone will give an introductory lecture on women’s educational paths in Piebalga and the role of teachers, outlining the processes of educational and societal development in which women’s work and contribution have played an important role.

The conference will highlight the life stories and achievements of outstanding women of Piebalga — from teachers and writers to doctors and public figures. The programme will include several lectures, conversations and discussions on personalities whose contribution is an integral part of Latvia’s cultural heritage.

The conference will be chaired and the discussions moderated by Rēzija Krieviņa.

Programme:

• Introductory lecture: Dr philol. Eva Eglāja (@Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia, Leading Researcher and Director) on women’s educational paths in Piebalga and the role of teachers.
• Pride of Piebalga: Vēsma Johansone, Head of Jaunpiebalga Local History Museum, will introduce the most outstanding women of the region.
• Lizete Skalbe: Līva Grudule, Director of PMA “Orisāre”, will speak about the talented translator and writer.
• Mudīte Austriņa: Laura Šulca, Head of the Antons Austriņš Memorial Museum “Kaikaši”, will speak about her life story and experiences in New York.
• Angelika Gailīte: Publisher and local historian Jānis Polis will introduce her personality story.
• Marianna Bergmane and Marianna Zīle-Graubiņa: Daiga Šatrovska, Collection Keeper at PMA “Orisāre”, will reveal the story of the doctor and her daughter — an actress.
• Elza Usenko-Kaudzīte: Museum educator Ieva Pleša will highlight the heritage of the Kaudzīte family and the formation of her personality.
• Ede Apkalne: At the close of the conference, Danuta Kiopa will share the story of Ede Apkalne’s life and values.

At the close of the event, there will be discussions and valuable conversations with the audience in an informal atmosphere.

Participation in the conference is free of charge.

We invite everyone interested to join and discover the richness of Piebalga’s history and culture.