Project Location: Salų village, Linkmenys, Ignalina‘s district
Project start date: 07/01/2014
Project duration: 22 months.
Project partner: restoration center in Buskerud (Buskerud bygningsvernsenter), Norway, www.buskerudbygningsvern.no
The total value of the project: 1,941,968.32 LTL / € 562,432.90.
The project is intended to solve two problems: 1) deteriorating condition of unique wooden buildings in Salos ethnographic village, Ignalina region; and 2) unawareness of Lithuanian public about the need and ways to preserve wooden heritage, as well as disappearing craftsmanship traditions.
There will be established its regional unit which will operate as an ecomuseum, thus involving local community and enhancing its wellbeing, sustainable development and local identity. A distinctive feature of Salos village was a multifunctional economic activity, so it is planned to revive and interpret traditional lifestyle and represent local economic activities, such as agriculture, fishery, woodworks (forestry, rafting, tar making, coal burning), herbal medicines and berry picking. Trainings for two target groups will be organized: 1) training of Lithuanian and Norwegian traditional craftsmen in restoration of old buildings and 2) training and counselling of house owners and general public within Aukštaitija regional park on the issues of cultural heritage and its practical preservation.
It is planned to restore 6 buildings during the project. In a bigger farmstead, which is made of a living house, a granary with a barn, a barn, a threshing and a bathhouse, authentic architecture would be fully retained. A “live” exposition would be created to present specific architectural features of these buildings, their original function and relevant intangible heritage: customs, crafts, folklore, etc. Moreover, all buildings would be adapted to additional functions: the living house and granary would be used for accommodation, the barn – for events (exhibitions, community meetings, etc.), the threshold – for a wood workshop and the bathhouse would be used for educational activities. The other living house, which is the only building of a smaller farmstead, would be restored according to the best practice and Norwegian experience. After the project, this house would be used as a “laboratory” for wooden heritage restoration.
The ecomuseum established in Salos village would be the first such museum in Lithuania. One new workplace would be created there. After the project the destination would attract more visitors, their visiting period would be extended, the number of repeating visitors would increase and local businesses would be promoted. Local population, the owners of summer houses and tourists would be better informed about Lithuanian ethnographic architectural heritage and its value, and would be more motivated and practically prepared to preserve it. Project‘s work group:
Project manager: Violeta Reipaitė, Open Air museum of Lithuania Director;
Project Accountant: Elvyra Arbačiauskienė, Open Air museum of Lithuania Chief Accountant;
Project training and publicity activities coordinator: Emilija Dabregaitė, Open Air museum of Lithuania Cultural project manager;
Project Procurement Specialist: Erika Zakarauskaitė, Open Air museum of Lithuania Procurement Specialist;
Contact information
Emilija Dabregaite Open air museum of Lithuania cultural project manager
Project‘s coordinator for training and promotion activities
Mobile: +37067091586 Email: emilija.dabregaite@llbm.lt