New Archival Discoveries:
Lithuanian KGB Documents and
Finnish Text Recognition Tool

Two significant archival developments have recently emerged from Lithuania and Finland. The Lithuanian Special Archive has launched a virtual exhibition revealing KGB documents on Julius Sasnauskas, while the Finnish National Archives has introduced a free text recognition tool for historical documents. These initiatives highlight the growing efforts in both countries to enhance public access to historical records and uncover past injustices.

LITHUANIA

The Lithuanian Special Archive has unveiled a virtual exhibition titled Siekė susilpninti tarybų valdžią: KGB dokumentai apie Julių Sasnauską (Aimed to Weaken Soviet Power: KGB Documents on Julius Sasnauskas). The exhibition presents declassified KGB documents detailing the surveillance, persecution, and attempts to suppress Sasnauskas, a Catholic priest and dissident during Soviet rule. These documents shed light on the repressive tactics used against individuals who opposed the Soviet regime and advocated for religious and national freedom.

The digital format of the exhibition allows broader public engagement, making these historical documents accessible to researchers, historians, and the general public. This initiative aligns with Lithuania’s ongoing efforts to confront its Soviet past and ensure transparency in historical memory.

FINLAND

Meanwhile, the Finnish National Archives has introduced a new, free text recognition tool designed to assist in transcribing historical documents. This innovative software utilizes advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology, enabling researchers and archivists to efficiently convert printed and handwritten texts into searchable digital formats.

The tool is expected to revolutionize archival research by significantly reducing the time required to process historical documents. By providing free access, the Finnish National Archives aims to support scholars, genealogists, and history enthusiasts in preserving and studying Finland’s rich documentary heritage.
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