Minding Our Manors: Lithuanian Heritage at Risk

Abstract

Abstract The article presents an analysis of the present state of and prospects for preserving Lithuanian manor residences. It describes the general state of historic preservation in Lithuania and surveys the history of Lithuanian manors from their initial construction until the present, revealing the impacts of political, social, and landscape changes to this heritage. The nation's turbulent history, its repeated occupations, agrarian reforms, and changes to the landscape resulted in distinctly individual Lithuanian manor residences. Because of the nation's difficult history, preservation of this heritage has been fraught with problems. However, due to a dramatic shift in country's political situation over the past sixteen years, scholars have increasingly focused on Lithuanian cultural identity, and their growing interest raises hope that this distinctive heritage will be preserved.