How Estonians got their family names (Vikerraadio) Keelesaade. Perekonnanimed 1

The use of surnames were introduced in Estonia nearly 200 years ago. After the abolition of serfdom in 1816 and 1819 Estonian were given surnames by parish administrators often relating to fauna, flora or the landscape.

Fred Puss from the Estonian Biographical Society in Tartu recently gave a radio interview detailing the history of surnames in Estonia.

To listen (in Estonian) please click here: Keelesaade. Perekonnanimed 1

Original Estonian flag delivered to new permanent home at national museum

Previously only removed from storage for public display on rare special occasions, the original blue, black and white Estonian flag, consecrated on June 4, 1884 as the flag of the Estonian Students' Society (EÜS), was ceremonially delivered to the new Estonian National Museum (ERM) building on Thursday, where it will be put on permanent display as part of an exhibit on the founding and formation of the Estonian identity and state.

To read the full ERR News article, please click on the link below:
Original Estonian flag delivered to new permanent home at national museum

Happy 200th Birthday to our dear 'õ'

In 1816 the 'õ' letter was first published in "Estnische Originalblätter für Deutsche" after Otto Wilhelm Masing suggested that the Estonian alphabet was in need of two additional characters.

To read more (in Estonian) please click here: 'õ' turns 200

President Ilves Appoints new Education and Foreign Minister

With growing support for her to become the next president of Estonia, Marina Kaljurand has stepped down as Foreign Minister to focus on the presidential campaign. However, the Reform Party remains split as to whom to support. Kaljurand is a popular choice. She is a career diplomat with years of international experience whilst Kallas still has skeletons in his cupboard - whatever happened to the missing millions that disappeared in 1993 while he was in charge of the Bank of Estonia? 

Like many Estonians I am a Kaljurand supporter and hope she secures the top job later this month. On Monday President Ilves appointed Jurgen Ligi as the new Foreign Minister and Maris Lauri as the new Minister of Education and Research. 

SEB Tallinn Marathon 9 - 11 September 2016

I'm going to be in Tallinn this coming weekend. Will definitely check it out!

City Guide to Medieval Tallinn

If you missed reading my article 'City Guide to Medieval Tallinn' published in last months Explore History magazine, you can read it here.

New Estonian comedy 'Ameerika Suvi' (American Summer) hits cinemas on September 9

A new Estonian film based on a true story and filmed entirely in the United States is due for cinema release in Estonia on 9th September 2016. The film 'American Summer' tells the story of three Estonian students who sold books door-to-door in the USA during their summer break. The comedy was written and directed by Rain Rannu who himself has previously sold books in America.