After 29 years as an honorary archivist for the Estonian Archives in Australia, Maie Barrow has decided to retire. Maie remains on the Council of EAA and will continue to work in the Archive as a volunteer.
“We would like to thank Maie on behalf of the AESL, all Estonian Societies and organisations across Australia for all that she has achieved in the 29 years that she has been with the EAA. Over the years, Maie has grown and transformed all the material into an organised and ordered Archive for the Estonian diaspora in Australia. The material is now situated in a new purpose-built facility that opened last year in November 2023. Maie has provided support for all the people who came to her. The work has led to international plaudits for both Maie and the EAA. A Truly Incredible work!”, said Dr Juho M. Looveer, President of Council of Estonian Societies in Australia, Inc.
The new honorary archivist is Dr Terry Kass. Terry is a professional historian and author of 11 books, all based on research in original sources. Two books have won awards from the Australian Society of Archivists, whilst others have been similarly recognised. He has conducted research in state and national archives and libraries over a career of over 40 years. He has sat on advisory panels for archives in Australia. Taking up this new role gives him an opportunity to apply that experience to Estonian archives.
From the 15th of February 2024, the Archive will change opening hours to 10am-3pm Thursday or by appointment.