Tartu College, located in downtown Toronto, celebrated its 40th birthday in 2010. This building has been home not only to international university students, but also to a number of Estonian academic organizations.
In 1971, Tartu Institute was established to promote the importance of preserving Estonian culture as well as to spread knowledge about Estonia. The Tartu Institute Archives and Library (TIAR) has since become one of the most significant Estonian cultural heritage repositories in North America. In 1997 the archives was renamed the Dr. Endel Aruja Archives to honour the long-time director Dr. Endel Aruja.
The Bibliography Club, a group of about 30 volunteers, has been working with the TIAR since 1985.
The Estonian Cultural Heritage Club (established in 1981), has also been an active member of the Tartu College community since 2002. Over 1000 DVDs belong to their collection, most of which are interviews with Estonians.
These collections are the historical basis on which VEMU exists as a memory institution.