Māra Grudule explores the archives of the Moravian church

With a research fellowship from the Baltic American Freedom Foundation (BAFF), senior researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia Māra Grudule is working at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“My goal was to study materials about missionaries who emigrated from the Baltics to the United States (1750–1850). I created an overview, but my main focus was on researching the life and work of Georg Heinrich Loskiel (1740–1814), who also played a significant role in the history of the Latvian Moravian Church. He was born at the Rinda parsonage in Kurzeme (Courland), and spent the last 12 years of his life here in Bethlehem as a bishop and prominent figure, where he is also buried. The archives here and in the surrounding area hold a wealth of materials related specifically to Loskiel, including personal items – a spoon, a mug, a wallet, etc. – an extensive correspondence, documents, manuscript poems, and more. He also oversaw missionary work among converted Native Americans and similar activities. There will be plenty of material for others to study after me as well,” says Māra Grudule, describing her research goal and process.