FAQ
When was the Boston Estonian Society established?
BES was established on April 19, 1936 (Americans celebrated Patriots Day on that date). The opening conference was an opportunity to have a concert at Norfolk House in Roxbury, starring contrabass virtuoso Ludvig Juht and his wife, soprano Amanda Juht.
Who were the original founders?
As can be determined from documents of the time, the founders were Estonian patriots. Without a doubt Ludvig Juht was the “soul” of the effort having arrived in the United States at the invitation of Sergei Kussewitzky in 1934. Kussewitzky was the premier contrabassist of the 20th Century, and recognized Juht as his heir to that title.
Although Juht did not directly participate in BES, he is credited with significant involvement in the “birth” and childhood of that organization.
Where does BES hold meetings?
The first official bylaws and constitution clearly indicate that the organization was looking toward acquiring a permanent meeting hall in the Boston area but that remains a dream. Meetings and functions have been held in a variety of locations over the years. Currently most functions are held at the North Chelmsford Congregational Church. Other venues are also used, so keep an eye out for location information for future events.
Driving instructions
North Chelmsford Congregational Church
15 Princeton Street
North Chelmsford, MA
FROM I-495 NORTH
Take Exit 33. Turn left onto RT-4 and continue across US-3 following signs for "4 NORTH - N Chelmsford". RT-4 will turn into RT-3A. Soon after the fire station turn left onto Shaw St. You made it!
FROM US-3 NORTH
Take Exit 32. Take your second right onto RT-4 following signs for "4 NORTH - N Chelmsford". RT-4 will turn into RT-3A. Soon after the fire station turn left onto Shaw St. You made it!
Follen Church
755 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA
FROM ROUTE 128
Take Exit 29A (Concord Turnpike Rte 2, towards Boston). Drive approximately 2 miles until Exit 55 > left onto Pleasant Street until Mass Ave (0.9 mi) turn left and white church is immediately on your right.
Chelmsford Center for the Arts - CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
4 North Road (Rt-4)
Chelmsford, MA
FROM I-495 NORTH
Take Exit 33 Turn right at the ramp. Pass firehouse and two small wooden houses, Chelmsford Art Center is on left.
FROM US-3 NORTH
Take Exit 29 toward Billerica Rd and Chelmsford Center. When you see the white bell tower of the church, turn right at the second light (Rte 4 – North Road). The entrance to the Center for the Arts is to the left of the building, a narrow driveway to a parking lot in the rear.
FROM I-495 SOUTH
Exit 34 bear right onto Rte 110 – Chelmsford Street. At 3rd set of lights turn right, bear right through next set of lights Center for the Arts is across the square on the right.
FROM US-3 SOUTH
Take Exit 29, take 2nd exit to Rte 4 Chelmsford Center. Pass over Rte 495, Pass firehouse and two small wooden houses, Chelmsford Art Center is on left.
What kinds of functions are held by BES?
A variety of functions have been held over the years. Some were repeated a few times, others developed into yearly traditions. It is these traditions that the BES board tries to propagate and maintain.
BES Summer Days
(usually held in late August) arguably the most popular activity, held for the last 10 years at the beautiful RI seaside home of the Liiv family.
Christmas Church Service
and following Christmas party (held at Follen Church in Lexington for the last few years). Without a doubt this event is close to the hearts of all members of the BES, especially those who eschew the commercial nature of the holiday. The tables are decorated for the season and the women of BES provide a dinner of home made blood sausage (well…it is an Estonian Christmas after all), sauerkraut, potatoes, bacon and lingon/cranberry sauce). Santa comes to hear songs and poems from the children and distributes token gifts to all little folk.
Estonian Independence Day
commemoration (held in February) at which we honor our ancestors and their fight for independence, to which we have such a strong emotional tie.
BES Annual Meeting and birthday celebration
(held in April) where the years’ activities are summarized and discussions held about future plans. To this you, dear reader, are invited and your participation welcomed.
BES Church Activities
Due to an extremely small congregation we have officially been absorbed into the Connecticut parish. Church activities are held separate from the BES, hoping to continue the shepherding established in Boston in 1905. Services are usually held monthly beginning in September and lasting through May. We are fortunate to employ professional soprano Epp-Karike Sonin and pianist Andrei Baumann.
How to contact/join BES
E-Mail besimees@yahoo.com for a membership application. Complete the form and send, with appropriate check made out to “The Boston Estonian Society, Inc.” to Villu Tari – PO Box 342 - Chelmsford MA 01824 (refer to bylaws PII for clarification)
The acceptance of your membership request will be confirmed by the secretary.
What fees are involved with membership in BES, and who is subject to them?
At the last annual meeting, the following fee schedule was approved:
Members (including college students) $20
Family pkg $30 (includes 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 18)
Senior Citizens (65+) no membership fee, donations as the heart dictates
Donations (specific to archive, school, or general) always welcome with the guarantee that donations will be applied to specified activities.
Fees help cover the cost of WEB server, mailings, room rent, insurance, school texts, archival materials, etc. etc. etc.
What are the benefits of membership?
➢ first and foremost the knowledge that you continue to be a part of Estonia, not just in your heart but in deeds
➢ you will meet new families and friends on whom you can rely
➢ you will receive the “BEStonian” a newsletter full of information and activities calendar
➢ membership provides a discount on participation fees for various activities
➢ to put it very basically to give is to receive
