New exhibition at Molėtai museum tells story of manor and its owner

The Molėtai Regional Museum has opened a new exhibition dedicated to the history of the Sidariškės manor and the remarkable woman who managed it, Elena Graužinytė. The exhibition, titled "From the History of One Manor. Elena Graužinė," will be on display until September 20.

Elena Graužinytė was born in 1896 into a family of Lithuanian cultural activists. She married Major Jonas Motiejūnas-Valevičius and, in 1928, the couple acquired the Sidariškės manor. Elena resided there with her husband's parents, taking charge of all manor and farm affairs while her husband served as the district chief. Her husband returned to Sidariškės in July 1941 during the German occupation, and they continued to farm together.

Following the second Soviet occupation around 1945, the family left Sidariškės. Elena and her young daughter moved to Vilnius to live with relatives, avoiding deportation. Her husband was arrested in 1947 and sentenced to 25 years in a labor camp in Kazakhstan. All the manor buildings were subsequently destroyed, and Elena never returned to Sidariškės. She passed away in 1976 and is buried in Vilnius.

The exhibition highlights Elena Graužinytė's legacy, particularly her culinary skills. She was known for her delicious and inventive dishes, leaving behind numerous recipes, especially for cakes and sweets, which have been compiled into a book. Visitors can view the family's silver and silver-plated cutlery and dishes, including an Italian coffee maker belonging to Jonas Motiejūnas-Valevičius. Monogrammed linens and family photographs also adorn the exhibition. A discussion about the exhibition and a presentation of Elena Graužinytė's recipe book are scheduled for September 16.