November 18 - the 86^th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Latvia - is approaching. Last year celebrating this significant data there was prepared an exposition "REPUBLIC OF LATVIA - 85". It is still visible in the showcase windows of the Directorate General of Latvia State Archives in Šķūņu street 11, Riga, and many visitors of Old Riga find it interesting. The exhibition is prepared by the Latvia State Archives co-operating with the Popular Front Museum and the Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

Now you can get acquainted with this exposition, which is a small part of the valuable materials from the documentary heritage of Latvia. 148 copies of documents from different archives and holdings, containing evidence about the focal points of the history of Latvia, are exhibited on 11 panels.

Here you can follow the development of Latvia as an independent state, starting from the Protocol of the historic Session of the National Council of Latvia at which the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed on 18 November, 1918 (the 1^st panel, No.1).

Then follow documents of Latvia's recognition de iure (2^nd panel), including the Peace Treaty between Latvia and Soviet Russia on 11 August, 1920 (2^nd panel, No. 2), information concerning the governments, elections, presidents of Latvia (3^rd panel) as well as various aspects of life in Latvia (work of industrial enterprises, data about agrarian reform, various cultural events) during the first period of independence, in the twenties to forties of the 20^th century (4^th panel).

The abrupt interruption of this way of life can be seen on the 5^th panel, showing the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940. A copy of a historical document is exposed - the secret appendix to the Molotov-Ribentrop Pact, according to which the Eastern Europe was divided into spheres of interests between the Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on 23 August, 1939 (5^th panel, No. 1) and the photo of Soviet tanks breaking into Riga on 17 June, 1940 (5^th panel, No. 5).

The 6^th and 7^th panels show the beginning of Atmoda (National Awakening Movement) and activities culminating in the independence of Latvia during the late 80-ties, including photos of a unique action - the Baltic Way (the people of Baltic states standing hand in hand from Tallinn to Vilnius), 23 August, 1989 (7^th panel, No. 1., 2.) and the re-establishment of an independent state.

The 8^th and 9^th panels are devoted to the great changes that have taken place during the first years of the regained independence; the 10^th panel - to international recognition and support of the independent Latvia. The 11^th panel shows the evidence of the latest and most important event - that of Latvia joining NATO and the European Union in 2003.