The lecturers at the scientific conference represent both Estonian and Latvian universities and museums. The conference will be opened by Valga Museum researchers Priit Riemann and Karin Varblane with a presentation titled The Story of Education in Valga. Ligita Drubina from the Valka Local History Museum will discuss the history of school education in Valka in her lecture. Hanno Talving from the Estonian Open Air Museum will provide an overview of school building architecture in Estonia during the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, using the Province of Livonia and South Estonian counties as examples. The second part of the conference will be opened by Aivar Põldvee from Tallinn University, who will give a presentation on schools in Livonia during the Swedish era. Vija Daukšte from the National Library of Latvia will speak about the vision of Vidzeme manor owners and Lutheran clergy regarding the organization of peasant education after the abolition of serfdom in 1819. The conference will conclude with Rūdolfs Rubenis from the University of Latvia, who will give a brief overview of student corporations and their role in shaping relations between the University of Tartu and Riga Polytechnic Institute. 

The bilingual (Estonian and Latvian) conference, equipped with simultaneous interpretation, is intended for all history enthusiasts. The conference is arranged by Valga Museum in cooperation with Valga Municipality and the conference is supported by the Estonian Cultural Endowment.