University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. Lithuanian Nationality Room Committee
Collection Number
UA.40.15
Extent
2 Linear Feet(3 boxes)
Date
1885-2000
Date
1930-2000
Abstract
The Lithuanian Nationality Room (LNR) was dedicated on October 4, 1940 becoming the tenth classroom added to the Cathedral of Learning as part of the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms Program. Located on the first floor, the LNR is used both as a classroom and a space to promote Lithuanian heritage. Under Chairman Peter Pivaronas and Dr. Joseph Baltrusaitis, the Lithuanian Nationality Room Committee was able to design, fund, and construct their classroom in ten years.
Language
English
.
Author
Emily Reed.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman) Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into the following ten series:
Series I: Minutes
Series II: Running Memo
Series III: Financial Statements
Series IV: Lithuanian Nationality Room Correspondence
Series V: Nationality Room Program Correspondence
Series VI: Publicity Materials
Series VII: Oversized Architectural Records
Series VIII: 50th Anniversary
Series IX: Photographic Prints
Series X: Monographs
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Accruals
Further accruals are expected from the ongoing activity of the Committee.
Scope and Content Notes
The Lithuanian Nationality Room Collection is composed of records documenting the planning, design, funding, construction, promotion, and maintenance of the Lithuanian Nationality Room. It also reflects the ongoing activities of the Committee in cultural activities, participation in holiday events and the support of the Lithuanian Room scholarship for study abroad.
History
The Lithuanian Nationality Room (LNR) was the tenth classroom added to the Cathedral of Learning as part of the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms Program. The Nationality Rooms Program was designed to showcase the history and culture of the various ethnic groups that have come to settle in Pittsburgh and the region. It also seeks to involve the local community with the University through cultural activities and scholarships. Under Chairman Peter Pivaronas and Dr. Joseph Baltruaitis, the LNR Committee was able to design, fund, and construct their classroom in ten years. The development of the Room was coordinated by the first director of the Nationality Rooms, Ruth Crawford Mitchell, and University Architect Albert Klimcheck. Subsequent activities and administrative support have been given the Committee by E. Maxine Bruhns and the office staff.
Funding for the LNR occurred slowly, but relatively smoothly, through vigorous donation drives and outreach to large Lithuanian communities and organizations in Pittsburgh, New York, Baltimore, Chicago and elsewhere but also direct outreach to Lithuania. The design process started in 1935 resulting in two trips to Lithuania for inspiration for the final design. Support came from the Lithuanian government officials and the U.S. envoy, Minister Povilas Žadeikis. Despite some conflict over the final design, it was decided that Antanas Guditis of Lithuania would be the architect, with assistance by Miss Magdalena Avietienaite from Lithuania's Minstry of Foreign Affairs. However, further issues emerged with obtaining Mr. Guditis's final design and in securing room materials (Lithuanian linen and Lithuanian bog soaked oak). Receiving the materials from customs also caused several delays.
In April 1940 all room materials from Lithuania were acquired, and since the majority of the room cost was raised, construction could start. A series of unexpected material shortages in September caused a change in the original room design: M. K. Ciurlionis' "Two Kings" painting was chosen to be recreated as a mural to take the place of the blackboard, the use of black bog oak in furniture designs was extremely limited, and the use of linen as wall coverings reconfigured. Because of these difficulties, the windows and mural were not finished for the October 4, 1940 dedication. The room was officially finished the end of January 1941 after being dogged for months with last minute material and payment issues. Unfortunately, the "Two Kings" mural and linen wall coverings were installed improperly and later needed to be replaced.
Today the LNR, in accordance with the mission statement for the Nationality and Heritage Room Committees, promotes and represents their culture and traditions through events, performances, lectures, films, and exhibits. The LNR Committee also hosts study abroad scholarships for University of Pittsburgh students, and the classroom, a tribute to Lithuanian folk art is used as a learning space for University students day to day.
Separated Material
Oversized Architectural Records are located in map case 26, drawer 1.
Processing Information
This collection was processed and the finding aid completed by Emily Reed, Nationality Rooms Archivist Intern from May to July 2014. The original 1948 collection was removed from its housing and incorporated into the arrangement scheme. Other records that were stored in albums were also separated from their original containers.
Custodial History
In accordance with preserving the activities of each classroom on the Nationality Council, the records of the Lithuanian Nationality Room Committee was collected and maintained by Nationality Rooms Program staff. The early collection was deposited in the University Archives. In 2014 this original collection was combined with the Committees subsequent files and processed in the summer of 2014.
Acquisition Information
This collection was deposited to the Archives in two separate deposits by the Nationality Rooms Program director.
Preferred Citation
Lithuanian Nationality Room Committee Collection, 1885-2000, UA.40.15, University Archives, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Subjects
Corporate Names
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Council
Lithuanian Classroom (Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Nationality Rooms (Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. Lithuanian Nationality Room Committee
Personal Names
Gudaitis, Antanas
Baltrušaitis, Joseph
Čiurlionis, Mikalojus Konstantinas
Pirvaronas, Peter
Bruhns, E. Maxine
Mitchell, Ruth Crawford
Genres
Correspondence
Architectural drawings (Visual works)
Press releases
Photographs
Financial records
Minutes (Administrative records)
Other Subjects
University of Pittsburgh
Universities and colleges -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
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