Lithuanians in Chicago

Politics

The Lithuanian American community was extremely politically active during the 20th century. Following the Act of Reinstating Independence of Lithuania in 1918, Lithuanian-Americans strongly advocated for a free and independent Lithuania until independence was re-established in 1990. Many Lithuanians from Chicago met with their  Congressional representatives, participated in anti-communist protests, and formally celebrated Lithuanian Independence each year of February 16th. In 1998, Valdas Adamkus was elected President of Lithuania after residing in Chicago for many years as an active member of the Chicago Lithuanian community and serving as the Illinois regional administrator of the US EPA.

Explore the collections below to discover more about the Chicago Lithuanian community's involvement in both local and international politics.

Contents of this tag:

  1. The National Congress of Lithuanian-Americans convenes in New York
  2. Congressman Roman Pucinski at protest led by Jaunimo Kongresas
  3. Jaunimo Kongresas protest
  4. Lithuanians meet with Vice President Gerald Ford
  5. Lithuanian newspaper editors meet with President Truman
  6. Anti-communist protest at Daley Plaza no. 2
  7. Lithuanian-American Council Meeting with President Truman
  8. Gorbachev protest
  9. The Jungle is published, documenting working class conditions in Chicago
  10. Lithuanians meet with Mayor Richard J. Daley
  11. Anti-communist protest at Daley Plaza
  12. Gorbachev protest (no. 3)
  13. Anti-communist protest at Daley Plaza no. 3
  14. Gorbachev protest (no. 6)
  15. "Lithuanian still occupied" stamps
  16. Gorbachev protest (no. 4)
  17. Lithuanian youth protest of the Soviet Union
  18. Protest of the Soviet Union organized by the Lithuanian Youth Congress
  19. Simas Kudirkas with Congressmen Ralph Metcalfe and Robert P. Hanrahan
  20. Gorbachev protest (no. 2)
  21. Protest at Daley Plaza no. 3
  22. Tranlsated version of The Jungle, Raistas, is published
  23. Lithuanian delegation meets with Mayor Richard J. Daley
  24. Protest at Daley Plaza no. 5
  25. Lithuanian Independence Day