R-T-N Research Days, or a week of action for young museologists
“Archaeological-historical-archaeographical research days were held between 10-14 July in Csongrád, in cooperation with the Tari László Museum, for the future eighth-graders of the Foundation’s Szentes Community House. The children followed the trail of ancient crafts and explored their chosen topics of interest, from archaeological periods to the present day, in architecture, fishing, grain processing, weaving and music. On the first day, they visited the Vésztő-Mágor Historical Monument, where Dr Attila Gyucha, Professor at the University of Georgia, guided them through the archaeological site and talked about the conservation work currently underway, which is unique in Europe and is being carried out by an international research team, the Körös Corporation. With the help of the objects on display in the archaeological exhibition, the children were introduced to the earliest relics of their chosen craft, and we were lucky enough to get a first-hand look at the field of architecture, including earthenware. Next, research continued in the historical and ethnographic repository of the Tari László Museum: everyone tried to collect as much literature and pictures as possible for their work. During the break, Dr. Orsolya Gyöngyössy, the museum’s director, gave a tour of the Church of the Assumption – and, on a special occasion, of the distinctive buildings of the city centre from its tower. In the afternoon, we also visited the Csongrád Crafts Houses and the country house. This was equally relevant to everyone’s theme. In the second half of the week, our researchers learned about the functioning and materials of the institutional warehouses, but we also made a trip to the ruins of the Ellés monastery, where we learned about the history of the building complex and the way it was built. Our guides from the museum were archaeologists Martin Borsódi and Attila Novák. The mysterious world of the warehouses held many interesting facts for the children, and they found excellent material for their essays. Afterwards, with a sufficient number of sources and objects, they spent many hours of concentrated work on their essays. Of course, the evenings were used to relax after a full day of intellectual activity: we refreshed ourselves every day on the beach of the Gates of Körös and even celebrated the birthday of one of our young researchers. On our last day in Csongrád, the young people looked through some of the institution’s photographic material, already planning in their heads which interesting topic they would choose to work on for their future activities if we were to return next year. After visiting the so-called module warehouse and viewing the valuable textiles and clothing found there, the team left tired from several days of work, but satisfied and enriched with experiences.” Sándor Kovács, mentor, Szentes Group 1 and Dorottya Kékegyi, ethnographer, Tari László Museum, volunteer of the Csányi Foundation.
“Everybody had a different favourite during the week: some liked the museum, others the Magor exhibition or the search in the warehouse. We got to see some special tools and we want to come back again! Thank you for the opportunity!” Berkecz Lotti, Bozó Kata, Gila Balázs Móric, Rickert Dávid Szentes 1. and Vadász Gabriella Szentes 2.
For more pictures, visit our Gallery.