For decades, Melbourne’s Estonian community history lived in folders, boxes and personal collections. Now, as the Estonian House prepares for its final chapter, that story is stepping into the spotlight.
From scattered memories to a living archive
For almost 80 years, the Melbourne Estonian Society “KODU” was without an archive. Some items of relevance had been preserved by individuals, including meeting minutes dating back to the society’s beginnings in 1914, correspondence folders, Teatelehts from the 1950s to 1960s, and photographs.
A decision was made to preserve these materials, and in 1993 the archive formally began under the direction of Aime Metsar. She led the collection and organisation of existing materials while also gathering new contributions, assisted by Toomas Steinberg.
Building the collection
Over a short period of time, the archive expanded significantly. Historical copies of the Australian Estonian newspaper MEIE KODU were donated by community members including Dr Kalev Kruup, Ivy Raadik (who contributed the very first edition), Juta and Evald Mõisa, Vilma and Sven Kiviväli, Ants Ots, and many others. With these contributions, and the ongoing collection of the newspaper, the archive now holds close to a complete set.
The archive has a wide selection of photographs from past events. Photographic collections from Karl Joosep (1950s–1960s) and Viktor Luuken (1980s), along with contributions from families such as Seeger, Kroon, Tõnisson, Kiviväli, Valling and Lauk, provide a vivid visual record of community life.
A record of community life
The materials have been carefully organised into a catalogue documenting Estonian activities in Victoria from 1914 to the current day. These are presented in folders prepared by Aime Metsar, with further contributions by Matti Kiviväli, who joined the archive group around 2018.
The archive also includes albums, booklets and recordings covering a wide range of community groups — from choirs and folk dancers to scouts and guides, theatre, sport, the Lutheran congregation, and the Täienduskool (children’s language school). Major events such as Eesti Päevad and ESTO88 are also represented.
On display for one last look
Most of this material will be on display from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Eesti Maja in Melbourne as part of the Last Hurrah weekend. Visitors are welcome to explore the collections at their own pace, with videos playing throughout the venue. Entry is free.
Make sure you visit Eesti Maja during our Last Hurrah weekend and spend some time browsing through the material – you never know, there may be a relative amongst the pages, or even a picture or two of you. Take the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances as well.
Photo album
A selection of photographs from the Melbourne Estonian Archives, capturing moments from decades of community life at the Estonian House.
Top row (left to right): Theatre performance “Kosilane Rakveres”, March 2004; folk dancing at Välis-Eesti päev, November 1986; Kai Mõisa, Toivo Taves and Anne Kärner from Täienduskool, September 1958.
Bottom row (left to right): Eesti Naisklubi Mustlaste Pidu, March 1981; folk dance group Eiderattad at the Christmas party, 2016.
Read more
Melbourne Estonian Society newsletter: Last Hurrah update (26 April 2026)
The Last Hurrah — a farewell weekend at Melbourne Estonian House, 22–24 May 2026 | HEIA
Melbourne Estonian Society — Facebook, Instagram and website
