Opening Meeting of the Community Archaeology Season
On 4 March 2026, the Göcseji Museum hosted the annual opening meeting of the community archaeology programme of the Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums. The event brought together volunteers interested in community archaeology and the museum’s staff, providing an overview of the most important archaeological projects planned for 2026.
The participants were welcomed by Bálint Havasi, Director-General of the Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums, who briefly outlined his thoughts on the idea of the community museum and emphasized the importance of cooperation between institutions and communities in the research and preservation of cultural heritage.
Lecture and Film Screening
The first part of the programme featured a lecture by Dr. Tibor Ákos Rácz, archaeologist, staff member of the Ferenczy Museum Centre, assistant professor at the Institute of Archaeology of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, and president of the Community Archaeology Association. His talk focused on the current practice and opportunities of community archaeology in Hungary. This was followed by the screening of the documentary film “Értékmentés másként” (Saving Heritage in a Different Way).
The screening was attended by the film’s director, Sándor Czigóth, and cinematographer, Balázs Juray. The audience thus had the opportunity not only to watch the film but also to gain insight into its production and to ask questions from the creators.
Community Archaeological Excavations in 2026
Following the film screening, archaeologists of the Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums presented the archaeological plans for 2026 and the programmes in which volunteers interested in community archaeology can take part.
Zoltán Orha, archaeologist reported that an archaeological excavation will take place in Keszthely, in the area surrounding St. Nicholas Church, between 13 and 31 July 2026.
Lívia Simmer, archaeologist presented the research related to the Pauline monastery site at Zalacsány–Örvényeshegy, which will take place between 22 June and 12 July 2026. In addition to the excavation, regular metal detector surveys will also be carried out in connection with the Pauline research project in Zala.
Bálint Havasi also invited volunteers to participate in the archaeological excavation of the Roman fortress of Keszthely–Fenékpuszta, which will take place between 26 July and 22 August 2026. The excavation will be led by Dr. Orsolya Heinrich-Tamáska, researcher at the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) in Leipzig.
Research Programmes along the Zala River
István Eke, archaeologist presented several ongoing research projects. He reported that the Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums has joined the research programme of the National Institute of Archaeology of the Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre. The aim of the programme “Archaeology of War” is to locate and identify the remains of Second World War aircraft that crashed within the territory of Hungary. Field research will be carried out between 13 and 15 March 2026 in the areas of Lenti–Gosztola and Bagod.
In 2026, the Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums will also continue the research programme “Roman Villas along the Zala River”. Within this project, archaeological field surveys will be conducted in Zalaistvánd, and test excavations will be carried out at the Roman-period buildings identified during last year’s research in late June and early July 2026.
Community Archaeology in Zala County
The opening meeting provided an excellent opportunity for archaeologists and volunteers interested in community archaeology in Zala County to meet in person and gain insight into this year’s research plans. The Directorate of Zalaegerszeg Museums continues to welcome the cooperation of volunteers in the exploration and preservation of archaeological heritage.
