On August 14, a special excursion for children aged 6 to 14 with disabilities took place at the Altai State University Museum of Archeology and Ethnography as part of the Open Days of Archeology project. The event provided the children with an opportunity to engage directly with the history and culture of their native region, which is essential for their social adaptation and development.
The excursion was organized at the initiative of the Integrated Social Services Center of Novoaltaisk.
Museum curator Ilya Chudilin led the tour, successfully capturing the children’s attention by presenting the information in an accessible and engaging way. The children were introduced to tools, household items, jewelry, and other artifacts that illustrate how their ancestors lived in Altai thousands of years ago.
Yaroslav Frolov, the museum Director and expert at the Research and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies "The Greater Altai," highlighted that Altai State University is always eager to collaborate with social organizations and is committed to making history accessible to all.
– Over the years, our museum has gained extensive experience in conducting tours for children and school students. When we were invited to organize this particular excursion, we accepted without hesitation. The children were very engaged, asked numerous questions, and seemed genuinely satisfied, said Yaroslav Frolov.
Anna Lobanova, Head of the Center’s complex rehabilitation department, stressed that visiting the museum is a vital component of the program designed to support the comprehensive development and socialization of children.
– During rehabilitation at our center, children actively engage in a variety of activities. These are classes with with rehabilitation specialists, adaptive physical education instructors, and psychologists. Visits to museums, libraries, participation in creative workshops, and cultural and leisure activities serve not only as entertainment but also as important opportunities for cognitive development. The excursion to the Altai Archaeology and Ethnography Museum was excellent; the children viewed numerous exhibits, gained valuable knowledge about history, and asked many questions.
At the conclusion of the tour, both the children and their companions expressed their gratitude to the museum staff for the warm welcome and engaging program.
On the same day, Yaroslav Frolov presented an exhibition at the museum dedicated to the 300th anniversary of mining in Altai, titled “The First Miners and Metallurgists of Altai: from the Bronze Age to Akinfiy Demidov.” This project is supported by the History of the Fatherland Foundation and the Free Economic Society of Russia.
There was also a sightseeing tour titled "Altai in Antiquity." The museum director showcased authentic exhibits from the oldest mine in Siberia – the Vladimirovka deposit in the Charyshsky District of Altai Krai – and narrated the region’s history from the Paleolithic era through to the late Middle Ages.
Throughout the tours, over 1,500 unique artifacts were presented, enabling visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Altai’s historical and cultural heritage.
