The Molėtai region underwent significant political and social changes in the 20th century. In September 1917, the Lithuanian Conference was held in Vilnius—a gathering of representatives of Lithuanian society that discussed the possibilities and challenges of restoring Lithuanian statehood.
As Lithuania sought independence, the region’s people participated in volunteer battles, supported the creation of the state, and promoted Lithuanian education, culture, and social life. Farmers grew stronger in the country, businesses were established, and the Riflemen, the Spring Movement, the Young Lithuanians, the Young Farmers, the Scouts, and other political organizations, as well as the Teachers’ Association, were active.
The period of independence brought new opportunities to learn, work, and build the nation, making the work of teachers, intellectuals, and artists in educating the younger generation and preserving the nation’s culture particularly important.
Among those who distinguished themselves during this period was Malvina Valeikienė, one of the first teachers at the Lithuanian school in Giedraičiai. When the school opened in 1920, she taught children the Lithuanian language and history, fostering civic-mindedness and love for the homeland. The school became an important center of Lithuanian identity and education in the region.
The artist and Giedraičiai schoolteacher Antanas Jaroševičius also contributed to the national revival—he collected and sketched Lithuanian folk crosses and shrines, documented the vanishing heritage, and thus preserved Lithuania’s cultural memory. His works today serve as an important testament to the nation’s history and identity.
