Memory brought out of hiding
The Obeliai Freedom Fights History Museum tells the history of the post-war anti-Soviet partisan war and Stalinist deportations in north-eastern Lithuania. It is one of the richest resistance museums in the region, and a real partisan bunker has been reconstructed in its yard.
The museum is a branch of the Rokiškis Regional Museum and stands on Vytauto Street in Obeliai. Its core is the life work of one man, partisan Andrius Dručkus, so this is not a conventional collected display: it is a collection born from actual resistance, secrecy, and survival.
Andrius Dručkus and the hidden archive
Andrius Dručkus (1928-2018), whose partisan code name was Kerštas, served as a liaison and partisan and was later persecuted for anti-Soviet activity. For decades he concealed the archive of the Lokys Unit headquarters of the Vytautas District and his own resistance material, preserving it until 1990.
This collection became the basis for the museum founded in Obeliai in 1998, which Dručkus himself directed. His native Vaičėnai homestead supported the partisans, and several members of the family joined the struggle, giving the museum unusual authenticity.
The exhibition: partisans and deportations
The museum holds more than 12,000 exhibits, most of them displayed in seven rooms. They include partisan documents, diaries, flags, uniforms, a valuable numismatic collection, and wooden sculptures.
The exhibition covers armed resistance in north-eastern Lithuania, including Vytis Company, the Lokys Unit, the Battle of Antazavė Forest, and the mass deportations. It is one of the most authentic regional resistance collections because it was assembled by a participant in the events.
The partisan bunker in the yard
A partisan bunker in the museum yard has been reconstructed after the authentic example of the Streikai family hideout. It was built with local community funds and is used for educational programmes.
The most popular programmes are "Life of a Freedom Fighter in a Bunker" and "Life in a Deportee Barrack". By candlelight, visitors learn about partisan uniforms, weapons, press, and everyday life. The bunker programme runs in the warm season.
Visiting
The museum was founded in 1998 and received its current name in 2013. Check the Rokiškis Regional Museum’s official Obeliai branch page for your chosen day, or confirm hours directly.
Check the museum page for adult and concession ticket prices, and arrange educational programmes and their fees separately. Allow 1-1.5 hours, and combine the visit easily with Rokiškis Manor.
