The Half-Century Activities of I. I. Kirillov Museum of Archeology of Transbaikalia

Abstract

The article highlights the history of the creation and the activity of I. I. Kirillov Museum of Archeology of Transbaikalia. The museum is based at the Department of History of Transbaikal State University (140 Chkalova Street). The museum reflects the history of Transbaikalia from the ancient Stone Age to the contemporary times. The exposition presents materials of archaeological excavations of ancient monuments conducted by university expeditions. On 1 October, 2019, the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary. The article is based on the materials from the Archeology Museum’s archives, personal knowledge and author’s records, supplemented by memoirs and photographs from the Department of History colleagues’ collections. Professor I. I. Kirillov’s outstanding contribution to the organization and operation of the museum is highlighted. The history of the museum is viewed as an integral part of the higher pedagogical education history, science and culture history. The University Archeology Museum provides high-quality training of students ‒ historians in the fundamentals of archeology, both national and regional, forms the historical consciousness and perception of reality. The museum allows involving university and school students in scientific research, broadens their horizons, promotes the training of local history teachers and professional archaeologists, and helps school students choose a university and a career. The museum ensures the safety of archaeological finds and pre­sents them to visitors. The museum history is examples and instances of initiative, creativity, and volunteerism.

Keywords

• transbaikalia
• chita
• museum
• archeology
• ancient monuments
• a. p. okladnikov