Vermont

Vermont’s Baltic community is small; one of its strongest ties to the Baltics is Camp Nergina, which has drawn Lithuanian ambassadors to the state repeatedly. Most of the connections are anticipated partnerships rather than fully established programs because of the size of the population. However, Vermont ranks high nationally by percentage of Latvian population relative to the size of the state. In the future, Baltic communities hope to increase representation in the state through university programs, business partnerships, and community correspondence. 

Culture

Estonians in Vermont tend to join the Boston Estonian Society in their events. The Latvian community is very small. Residents have met Latvians throughout the state, but there is no documented history of Latvian settlement; no cultural center, and no organized activities. Lithuanians congregate at summer Camp Nergina, which has served thousands of children and families with the mission to provide an experience rich in Lithuanian heritage and Christian faith. 

Diplomacy

Lithuanian ambassadors have visited Vermont regularly, largely because of the summer camp. This includes: Ambassador Povilionis who visited to confer honorary consul status; Ambassador Plepytė, who toured the state for business opportunities, visited the Lost Shul Mural, and presented a medal to a woman who saved Jews during the war; and Ambassador Varvuolis, who visited in February, spoke at a Ukraine fundraiser, visited the Lost Shul Mural, and met the Speaker of the House in Montpelier. In addition, the Latvian community and its consular representative is planning a visit to the State House in Montpelier for its Ambassador when the schedule of the Governor’s Office permits. In the meantime, it is spreading the news about Latvia via its engagement with the local community, schools, and churches.

Estonia has drawn attention in policy commentary. State Senator John McClaughry argued that in his visit to Estonia during his time as Senator demonstrated a prospective model for Vermont’s future, due to its economic openness and as a comparison for rural-state innovation in digital governance.