Historical perspective on Lithuanian national communities

This article focuses on a dimension that's typical to Lithuania, the city of Vilnius and other European capitals alike — the running of a national community centre in a multicultural state. The founding of national communities in Lithuania is associated with the ethnic revival and beginnings of democratic reworking. The article briefly overviews the locus of national communities in the reinstatement of Lithuania's independence as well as the progression of their movement over the past two decades. National communities have become especially active after Lithuania regained #s Independence and became a competent member of the international community. The article focuses on the viewpoint of the Lithuanian state on preservation of national community cultural heritage and identity in the context of the experience gained over 17 years of Independence.