Mezhova. A Tour of the Museum of Local History — a Place Where We Have So Much in Common

Since childhood we have heard that he who does not know his past is not worthy of his future. The future will come in any case, but what will it be like for each of us? We are told that we must love our land and know the history of our native region, but exactly how to arrive at that is not explained very clearly. It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times, and visiting a museum is the best way to get acquainted with the historical past of your homeland, to learn about folk traditions, cultural heritage, national rites, and the culinary features of your native region. Museums are created precisely so that we can better recognise ourselves, our kin, and our roots. The People's Museum of Local History of the Mezhova area is housed in the House of Culture in the settlement of Mezhova, Dnipropetrovsk region.

 

Mezhova. House of Culture

The tour is led by Tetiana Valeriivna Kiiashko, who recently took up the duties of keeper of the museum's treasures.

The museum was founded in 1976. It has held the title of People's since 1986. Over 1,100 exhibits are kept in two halls — a variety of historical artefacts, photo-documents, items of archaeology and ethnography, and materials on military themes.

Mezhova. Museum of Local History

The collections are constantly replenished with finds from the residents of Mezhova and the surrounding villages, original curios, and family heirlooms that were kept in grandmothers' chests. On the basis of the gathered exhibits, the history and singular character of this bread-growing region has been recreated. The history of the Mezhova area preserves many glorious events and names, dates and chronologies. Beside each museum item there is an information note.

 

Irons

Roof tiles

Butter churn

On display for visitors is a large collection of jugs, kitchen-garden and garden tools, clothing, footwear, and objects of folk everyday life.

 

Spinning wheel, clocks, chests

Tool for spinning wool

Garden and kitchen-garden tools

The exhibition of rushnyky — embroidered towels made while preserving traditional patterns and designs — deserves special attention.

 

Rushnyky and household utensils

Tetiana Valeriivna accompanies her account with details from her own life experience in using the oil press, the spindle, and the yoke, and warmly invites you into a recreated Ukrainian svitlytsia — the parlour of a traditional home — with a painted stove.

 

Ukrainian svitlytsia

A separate stand is devoted to renowned writers born in the Mezhova area, of whom the locals are proud — Mykhailo Nechai, Vitalii Pavlovskyi, and Sava Bozhko. Nor are other talented fellow countrymen forgotten, those who glorified their native places with feats of labour.

 

M. I. Kryvonos — founder and director of the "Natkhnennia" dance ensemble

For the attention of visitors, canvases by local artists A. V. Teleshov, V. P. Chornyi, and O. V. Shapoval are presented.

 

A small art gallery

The second hall gathers material and documents devoted to the events of the Second World War, to internationalist soldiers, and to the heroes who died for the establishment of the territorial integrity of our state.

 

Exhibition on military themes

Guests very much enjoy examining the exhibits, for a museum is a place where much unites us — our origins and the history of our fatherland. Photography is permitted in the Mezhova museum. By looking at the pictures and posting them on social media, you can reflect on what you have seen, share your impressions, and discuss the details of the cultural outing with friends. Having visited the museum, leave a word of thanks in the guest book, for everything you see on the stands and shelves was made for you with love.

I sincerely thank Tetiana Valeriivna for the tour and wish her new projects, inspiration, and grateful visitors.

 

Address: 3 Nezalezhnosti Avenue,

People's Museum of Local History of the Mezhova District,

settlement of Mezhova, Dnipropetrovsk region.

Coordinates: 48.2511694, 36.7293656