ENThe founding of Lithuanistic museums in USA started at the very end of 19th c. They were based mainly on the private collections. The most famous collectors were dr. A. Račkus and priest P. M. Juras. Also Lithuanian catholic societies, such as franciscans, marians, jesuits made great influence on the formation of Lithuanian culture institutions in USA. The main institution founded in 1982 is Lithuanistic Research and Studies Centre in Springfield (II) with 13 branches - archives, institutes, library, gallery and museums.