ClevelandPeople.Com

Estonians in Cleveland


Flag of Estonia

Tere tulemast


Visit our on-line Estonian Store
Books, Music, DVDs, Clothes,Flags and More


  • Are you interested in doing business in Estonia?
  • Are you interested in taking a trip to Estonia?
  • Are you of Estonian heritage and living, working or visiting Cleveland or Northeast Ohio?

Contact us for more information.


News and Upcoming Events for Estonians in Cleveland


Submit your Cleveland Estonian news and events.


Out & About - Photos and Event Recaps


2023

Cleveland Estonian Christmas Party

Cleveland Estonians gathered at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor, Ohio for the traditional Estonian church service led by Pastor Pirn, organist Trina Pirn, with guest viola Lembi Veskimets (Cleveland Orchestra). After the service we gathered in the adjacent church hall for verivorst, hapukapsast and Jõuluvana (Christmas sausage, sauerkraut and Santa).

The children were ready with poetry, song and musical instruments, to show Jõuluvana what they had learned. A good crowd of fifty enjoyed the afternoon.

Elyse’ Champa and Emmi Puussaar were Santa’s elves, helping carry the gifts

Elyse’ Champa and Emmi Puussaar were Santa’s elves, helping carry the gifts


Thanks to Ambassador Toomas Tubalkain for the report.


Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2023

The Cleveland Estonian community demonstrated their proud heritage at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 50,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2023.

The Estonian community participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.

Watch the video of the Parade of Flags.



Estonian Garden on One World Day 2023

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags on One World Day in Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags on One World Day in Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags on One World Day in Cleveland Cultural Gardens


See more of One World Day 2023.


Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev) celebration in the Estonian Cultural Garden - June 25, 2023

The Estonian Cultural Garden was dedicated June 19, 1966. Each year, the Estonian community and friends gather to celebrate Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev).

Estonian Garden leaders


Photos and Video of the Victory Day Event


105th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia

Toomas Tubalkain reports, "We had a wonderful get together in Cleveland for the 105th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Our gathering included Mr. Kalvis Kampe of the Latvian community, Mrs Ingrida Bublys, the Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Cleveland and Mr. Charles Kroncke, the Honorary Consul of Estonia in Ohio.

Toomas Tubalkain, Ingrida Bublys, Charles Kroncke

Toomas Tubalkain, Ingrida Bublys and Charles Kroncke



From the Estonian American National Council

The Estonian American National Council remarks


The Estonian American National Council remarks



2022

Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2022

Cleveland's Estonian community was well-represented at the 76th One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 28, 2022. They marched in the Parade of Flags.

Estonian Garden in the Parade of Flags

Estonian Garden in the Parade of Flags


Estonian Garden in the Parade of Flags


Then they hosted visitors and shared thewir culture in their beautiful Estonian Cultural Garden.

Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2022

Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2022


See more of One World Day 2022.


Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev) celebration in the Estonian Cultural Garden
June 26, 2022

The Estonian Cultural Garden was dedicated June 19, 1966. Each year, the Estonian community and friends gather to celebrate Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev).

Singing the Estonian National Anthem

Singing the Estonian National Anthem


Photos and Video of the Victory Day Event


Estonian support for Ukraine

Toomas Tubalkain has been representing the Estonian community at various events. He attended the Rally for Ukraine in Parma with the large flag of Estonia.

Estonian leader Toomas Tubalkain

Toomas Tubalkain at St. Vladimir's


Toomas also gave a presentation to the Mantua/Hiram Rotary Club. He explained Estonian history from Kalevipoeg (the National epic) and how it relates to even recent history. He also talked about the war in Ukraine and how supportive Estonia and Estonians are to Ukraine.

Toomas Tubalkain with flags of Estonia and Ukraine


2021

Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2021

Cleveland's Estonian community was well-represented at the 75th One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 29, 2021. They marched in the Parade of Flags and hosted visitors on in their beautiful Estonian Cultural Garden.

Estonian Cultural Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day 2021

Estonian Cultural Garden in the Parade of Flags


See more of the Estonian Garden on One World Day 2021


The history of Estonian People and the national epic Kalevipoeg

This video is a presentation by Toomas Tubalkain, a board member of the Estonian American National Council, about the history of Estonian People and the national epic Kalevipoeg. This presentation took place as part of the EANC's Inaugural ERKÜ Happy Hour, hosted by Toomas Tubalkain (Jul 13, 2021) More information - https://estosite.org/




Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha)and St John's Day (Jaanipäev) celebration

The Estonian Cultural Garden was dedicated June 19, 1966. Each year, the Estonian community and friends gather to celebrate Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev).

Toomas Tubalkain served as MC and introduced speakers including Lithuanian Honorary Consul Ingrida Bublys, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Estonian Garden delegate Erika Puussaar.

Erika Puussaar and Toomas Tubalkain

Erika Puussaar and Toomas Tubalkain


See more from the Estonian Victory Day event


Sprucing up for Estonian Independence Day

What a difference some TLC can make. Look at the "before" and "after" pictures from Toomas Tublakain.

Estonian Monument before picture

Estonian Monument after picture



Estonian Garden Clean Up

Erika Pussaarr, Teevi Champa and other volunteers worked in the Estonian Cultural Garden on Saturday May 22, 2021. Toomas Tubalkain said "Great work crew at the Estonian Cultural Garden today. Spread six yards of mulch in 1.5 hours."

Cleaning up the Estonian Cultural Garden

Cleaning up the Estonian Cultural Garden



2019

Estonian Garden at One World Day

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation hosted the 74th annual One World Day on August 25, 2019. Police estimates say that over 30,000 people visited the Gardens and attended One World Day. There was a lot of activity in the beautiful and historic Estonian Cultural Garden.

Estonian Flag on One World Day


Toomas Tubalkain telling visitors about Estonian culture

Toomas Tubalkain telling visitors about Estonian culture


Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day

See more from the 2019 One World Day.

A highlight of One World Day is the Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags. This year was undoubtedly the largest and most colorful in memory. It was extra special because all Parade participants joined hands as a commemoration of the Baltic Way 30 years earlier. The Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian units led the Parade after the Baltic Way remembrance.

Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys was joined on stage by Honorary Consul of Estonia Mary Nippert to describe the Baltic Way that took place 30 years earlier in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

TV news anchor Chris Tanaka, Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys and Honorary Consul of Estonia Mary Nippert

TV news anchor Chris Tanaka,
Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys and
Honorary Consul of Estonia Mary Nippert

The marchers in the Parade of Flags at One World Day, led by delegations from the Baltic countries, commemorated this historic event by forming their own human chain joining hands along Martin Luther King Blvd. in Cleveland.

Baltic Way in Cleveland on One World Day

Baltic Way remembered in Cleveland on One World Day


Baltic Way in Cleveland on One World Day


Baltic Way in Cleveland on One World Day


Baltic Way in Cleveland on One World Day

Watch the video and see more pictures of the Cleveland remembrance of the Baltic Way.

Parade of Flags at 2019 Cleveland One World Day - Baltics

Baltic Nations - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania


Parade of Flags at 2019 Cleveland One World Day - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania


Parade of Flags at 2019 Cleveland One World Day - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Video and pictures from the Parade of Flags at 2019 One World Day


2018

One World Day 2018

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted the 73rd annual One World Day on September 16, 2018. A highlight is the Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags. The Estonian Garden was well-represented in the Parade.

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags at 73rd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags


Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags at 73rd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

See video, photos and more from the Parade of Flags

Back to the 2018 One World Day main page


Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Polish Constitution Day Parade

The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were well represented in the 2018 Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma.

Baltic Nations at Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma

Baltic Nations at Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma
Erika Puussaar carries the Estonian flag



Baltic Nations at Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma


Baltic Nations at Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma

See more from the Parade including video highlights


2017

Tracing Your Family's Path from a Displaced Persons Camp

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., has created a searchable database of information on the Displaced Persons Camps and the people who passed through them. Earlier this year, the Holocaust Museum partnered with the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland to digitize the UMA's extensive collection of DP Camp periodicals produced by Ukrainian refugees from 1945-51. Working with Kyiv-based Archival Data Systems, researchers have scanned more than 75,000 documents archived at the Tremont museum, creating a resource that scholars and others will now be able to access.

Officials from the Holocaust Museum unveiled the new resource and its search tools at a special presentation in Cleveland, a city that resettled thousands of displaced persons. "Solving the Mystery: Tracing Your Family's Path from a Displaced Persons Camp," was presented at the Slovenian National Home.

a

Andy Fedynsky, Ina Navazelskis and Diane Afoumado


Photos and videos from the Displaced Persons Camp event


Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev) celebration

The Estonian Cultural Garden was dedicated June 19, 1966. Each year, the Estonian community and friends gather to celebrate Estonian Victory Day (Võidupüha) and St John's Day (Jaanipäev). This year, guests came from as far as Idaho and Estonia!

Group photo on Estonian Victory Day

Group photo in front of the Estonian monument


Photos and Videos of the Estonian celebration


2016

Estonian Cultural Garden on Kid's Day 2016

On the first annual Kid's Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, kids (of all ages) learned about the Estonian language, culture, history, geography and more. Teevi Champa of the Estonian Cultural Garden was one of the co-chairs of Kid's Day in the Gardens. When the group arrived at the Estonian Garden Teevi and Erika Puussar welcomed them and explained the various activities. The kids colored pictures of a Cornflower which is the national flower of Estonia.

Then story time with Erika Puussar where the kids learned to say dog (koer) in Estonian, and they played the Bees in the Garden game led by Teevi Champa that every kid plays in Estonia.

Playing a traditional Estonian game

Playing a traditional Estonian game

Photos and video from Kid's Day in the Estonian Cultural Garden


Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2016

The Cleveland Estonian Cultural Garden and Estonian community participated in the 71st One World Day on August 28, 2016. They began with the Parade of Flags.

Estonia in Parade of Flags

Estonian Garden in Parade of Flags


Throughout the day members of the Estonian community of Cleveland hosted hundreds of visitors in the Estonian Cultural Garden and shared Estonian culture.

Erika Puussaar in Estonian Garden on One World Day

Erika Puussaar on One World Day


Photos and Videos of the Estonian Garden on One World Day


Erika Puussaar receives Freedom Award

The American Nationalities Movement held the annual Captive Nations Dinner in Cleveland on July 14, 2016. Erika Puussaar of the Estonian Community and delegate to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation was honored with the Freedom Award.

Judge Ralph Perk Jr., Irene Morrow and Erika Puussaar

Judge Ralph Perk Jr., Irene Morrow and Erika Puussaar


Don't miss Erika's stories from the displaced persons camp during World War II.

Photos and Videos of Erika Puussaar receiving the Freedom Award


Estonian Cultural Garden 50th Anniversary

The Estonian Cultural Garden was dedicated June 19, 1966. An anniversary celebration event was held on June 26, 2016.

Young people at the Estonian monument

Young people in the Estonian Cultural Garden


Photos and Videos of the 50th anniversary of the Estonian Garden


Baltic Communities remember Senator George Voinovich

Erika Puussaar, a Director of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation and delegate to the Estonian Garden, told how grateful the people of the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were to Senator George Voinovich for his work to get the Baltics into NATO.




2015

Traditional Estonian Clothing

A highlight of the 6th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity held in the atrium of the Global Center for Health Innovation in the Cleveland Convention Center by the International Community Council-Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) was the multicultural fashion show.

Models Erica Puussaar and granddaughter Emmi Puussaar

The skirt has folds in it which represent waves in the Baltic Sea. The necklace is amber, the traditional Estonian jewelry material. Emmi and Erika have returned from mushroom picking in the moist Estonian forests.

Fashion of Estonia

Fashion of Estonia

Fashion of Estonia

Videos and photos of the International Fashion Show


Lia Staaf receives Freedom Award

The American Nationalities Movement of Ohio (ANM) celebrated their 51st annual Christmas Luncheon and Freedom Award recognitions on December 19, 2015.

Lia Staaf, Gary Kotlarsic, Jane B. Sheats and the band Harmonia were honored.

Lia Staaf was born in Estonia and as a member of the Baltic American Committee worked for freedom for Estonia and the other Baltic States.

Irene Morrow, Lia Staaf and Ralph Perk Jr.

Irene Morrow, Lia Staaf and Ralph Perk Jr.


Photos/videos of the ANM Event

Top of Page


Senator Portman Meets with Cleveland Eastern European Communities

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) traveled to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, as well as other government officials. Portman has repeatedly called for increased U.S. military assistance to Ukraine as they continue to face Russian aggression.

Senator Portman and Cleveland Eastern European leaders

Senator Portman and Cleveland Eastern European leaders


On Friday, April 17, 2015 Senator Portman, co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with members of Eastern European communities in Cleveland to discuss his recent visit to Ukraine and Latvia.

More from Senator Portman's meeting at the Ukrainian Museum & Archives


2013

Hans and Karin Ruus participated in the 95th anniversary of Lithuanian Independence at St Casimir Church on Saturday February 16, 2012. They were looking forward to Estonia's 95th the following week.

Karin and Hans Ruus

Karin and Hans Ruus



2012

Estonian Community at Opening of Ames Family Atrium
Cleveland Museum of Art
October 28, 2012

The Cleveland Estonian community was represented at the grand opening of the Ames Family Atrium in the Cleveland Museum of Art on Sunday October 28, 2012.

Erika Puussaar and gradnson at Estonian Cultural Garden table

Erika Puussaar and grandson at Estonian Cultural Garden table


Back to Ames Family Atrium Opening at Cleveland Museum of Art


ClevelandPeople.Com Estonian Ambassador Erika Puussaar read a very short poem from Estonia called Apple Tree at the 2012 One World Day celebration in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

Erika Puussaar

Erika Puussaar



See more from One World Day 2012 in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens


2011

Erika Puussaar at Estonian Garden - April 30, 2011

Erika Puussaar at the Estonian Garden


2010

70th Anniversary of the occupation of the Baltic States
Remembrance of the victims of the initial Mass Deportation on June 13-14, 1941 at Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church - June 13, 2010

Baltic States remembrance at Latvian Evangelical Church



2009 and before

Estonian and other costumes at One World Day 2008

Estonian and other costumes at One World Day 2008


Mixing of Estonian Soil in the American Legion Peace Garden
Photos and video as Estonian soil joins the soil of other nations in 2008

The Estonian football team lost to five-time world champion Brazil by 1 goal
The team's brave play gained attention all over the world.

Organizations and Resources for Estonians in Cleveland


Estonian Cultural Garden in Cleveland



Estonian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2008


Submit your Cleveland Estonian organizations and resources.

Business, Education and Employment Information

Submit your Cleveland Estonian jobs, classes and other opportunities.


Cleveland Estonian Feedback and Memories




Estonian National Anthem
Submit your Cleveland Estonian Feedback and Memories.


Estonian History and Culture


Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make Estonians so special.



Estonian Garden sculpture



From Kalevipoeg: An Ancient Estonian Tale

Aga ükskord algab aega
kus kõik piirud kahel otsal
lausa lähvad lõkendama;
lausa tuleleeki lõikab
käe kaljukammitsasta-
küll siis Kalev jõuab koju
oma lastel' õnne tooma,
Eesti põlve uueks looma.

But one day an age will dawn,
when all spills, at both their ends,
will burst forth into flame;
and this stark fire will sever
the vise of stone from Kalevipoeg's hand.
Then the son of Kalev will come home
to bring his children happiness
and build Estonia's life anew.


After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

(facts courtesy of CIA World Fact Book)


Map of Estonia


Submit your Cleveland Estonian cultural items.


Profiles of Estonians in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio



If you know of a Cleveland Estonian who should be profiled,
please let us know.
ClevelandPeople.Com - Estonian Ambassadors

Erika Puussaar
Toomas Tubalkain
Erika Puussaar
Toomas Tubalkain

Read more about the Estonian and other Ambassadors.

If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Estonian community, please contact us.




For sponsorship opportunities please contact us at info@clevelandpeople.com


Back to Top of Page


ClevelandPeople.com is sponsored in part by



Margaret W. Wong logo






Stay informed about
the news and special events
of the Group(s)
you choose by
signing up
for the free
ClevelandPeople.Com
e-newsletter



Follow ClevelandPeople
on Twitter

Follow ClevelandPeople on Twitter

or Cleveland People on Facebook


Like the work
of ClevelandPeople.Com?
Contribute to the cause
via Paypal






Visit our
On-line Store
featuring Books, DVDs,
Music, Flags,
Clothes, Food
and more from our
various ethnic groups.




Browse over 6,500
ClevelandPeople
YouTube videos






Murder in the Cultural Gardens
Whodunit Mystery
by Dan Hanson
set in the
Cleveland Cultural Gardens










































 Copyright © 2009-2023
      Magnum Computers Inc.