In commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the birth of Jonas Basanavičius, the National Museum of Lithuania invites the public to join the unique initiative “Gift a Cherry Tree to Jonas Basanavičius” – to restore the cherry orchard of his birthplace and thus cherish a living, growing symbol of his memory.

The origins of the initiative go back to the memoirs of J. Basanavičius himself. In his book “Chronicle of My Life and the History of Nervous Disease”, he described his childhood environment, where, according to him, “the entire field area along today’s Vaitukaičiai Hedge to “Kupstynė” was occupied by a garden (the “cherry orchard”)”. Although the landscape has changed over the years, today the aim is to symbolically return the cherry trees to their historical place.

The Cherry Orchard – a Living Place of Memory

Rūta Vasiliauskienė, director of the J. Basanavičius Birthplace Museum, emphasizes that this initiative is intended not only to commemorate the anniversary of the patriarch of the nation, but also to encourage community spirit. According to her, the restoration of the cherry orchard aims to bring together various groups in society – individual people, communities and organizations that contribute to the cultivation of cultural memory.

“We want spring to bloom here in a few years with cherry blossoms, which would remind us not only of J. Basanavičius, but also of the fact that history can be created with our hands. A tree, like a community, grows slowly, but the value remains for a long time – this is how we aim to bring people together and strengthen the connection with our cultural heritage,” says R. Vasiliauskienė.

It is expected that the replanted cherry orchard will become a space connecting different generations – a peaceful place for visitors to the birthplace of the nation’s patriarch, intended for staying, relaxing, picnicking and socializing. The cherry blossoms blooming every year will remind us of J. Basanavičius’ legacy and will testify that the ideas he cherished are still alive today.

Invitation to Donate a Cherry Tree

Everyone is invited to contribute to the initiative – by donating 100 EUR or more or by choosing another desired amount through the crowdfunding platform of the National Museum of Lithuania. There, you can find detailed information about the project and conveniently make a donation, indicating the selected amount.

A commemorative plaque will be installed near the tree, testifying to the contribution of the sponsors. Also, the main sponsors will be invited on April 24 to the birthplace of J. Basanavičius in Ožkabaliai to plant their own tree, and all those who contributed are invited to participate in the joint planting effort.

“With this initiative, we invite you to give a living gift – a tree that will grow, bloom and last for a long time. We want everyone who contributed to feel a connection with this place and know that everyone’s contribution has taken root here in a literal sense. This is an opportunity to become part of the history of this place and leave a mark that will be visible for many years to come,” says R. Vasiliauskienė.

More information about the initiative and opportunities to support it are available on the crowdfunding platform of the National Museum of Lithuania: click here.