On the occasion of the International Museum Day, the “Institution of Community Good Practice” recognition was awarded for the first time to Hungarian museums that serve as exemplary models in building communities and actively involving citizens in their professional activities.
The recognition was presented by the Hungarian Open Air Museum – Museum Education and Methodology Centre Directorate as the opening event of the nationwide Week of Communities programme series.
The award was granted to the Göcseji Museum’s programme entitled “Pauline Past, Shared Cause – Community Archaeological Research of Pauline Monasteries in Zala County since 2016”.
The award was received in Budapest during the professional event entitled “Let’s Work Together Professionally!” by director-general Bálint Havasi and archaeologist Lívia Simmer.
You can also read about the event and the recognitions in the official press release of MOKK: Institution of Community Good Practice Award Ceremony.
Community Archaeology as a Shared Cause
The programme was launched in 2016 as a local initiative connected to the preparation of archaeological research at the Pauline monastery of Vállusszentmiklós. In its early years, the project relied primarily on community cooperation, volunteer work, and local support. The professional background was provided by the Göcseji Museum and the Balatoni Museum.
Over the years, the research of Pauline heritage sites in Zala became much more than a simple archaeological excavation project. An active community developed around the programme, bringing together volunteers, local residents, archaeologists, university students, civilians, historians, metal detector volunteers, religious communities, and institutions working together to preserve our shared heritage.
Shared Experiences, Shared Heritage
Throughout the years, the research activities have been accompanied by open excavation days, community events, lectures, field walks, Archaeology Day programmes, and volunteer initiatives. Thanks to community archaeology, more and more people have been able to participate directly in the exploration and understanding of the past.
The Pauline heritage sites of Vállusszentmiklós and Örvényeshegy became particularly important locations within the programme, while the collaborations formed around the research also had a positive impact on local community life and cultural relations.
You can read more about the archaeological research of the Pauline monasteries in Zala here: Archaeological Research of Pauline Monasteries in Zala.
Connecting Communities
The motto of the 2026 International Museum Day was: “Museums uniting a divided world.”
For the Göcseji Museum, this approach is not merely an international slogan but part of everyday practice. The community archaeology programme demonstrates how research into the past can connect communities while transforming the museum into a genuine meeting place.
The recently received recognition is a shared success of all volunteers, partners, communities, and supporters participating in the programme.
