The original of the first birch bark letter, treasures, and mammoth tusks will be presented at an exhibition in Vitebsk

October 21, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. The original of the first birch-bark manuscript found in Belarus, hoards, weapons and other items will be presented at the exhibition "Accidental Finds," which will open on October 22 at the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the museum's Deputy Director for Scientific Work, Valery Shishanov. The exhibition's title reflects the main idea of the exposition - all items were accidentally discovered by residents of Vitebsk and the region and subsequently handed over to the museum of local lore for safekeeping. Undoubtedly, one of the main exhibits will be the original birch-bark manuscript, which was accidentally discovered for the first time in Belarus during work on Freedom Square in Vitebsk. "The museum's permanent exhibition features a replica of this unique item, and the original is very rarely exhibited for obvious reasons," explained Valery Shishanov. Thus, visitors will have a rare opportunity to get acquainted with a monument of our culture. In addition, the exposition will include a hoard of paper money, likely hidden during the October Revolution, a hoard of copper coins from the era of Catherine the Great, cold weapons, household items, and even mammoth tusks and teeth. The citizens who found them considered it their duty to hand them over to the museum. Among these accidental finds, there are more or less significant items, but they are all monuments of our history and culture, emphasized Valery Shishanov. By exhibiting them for public viewing, museum staff decided to honor and thank these people with an active life position, and the donor's name will be placed next to each exhibit. Simultaneously with "Accidental Finds," an exhibition dedicated to the collection of the famous collector Anton Brodovsky will open at the museum of local lore. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of this extraordinary person, who played a significant role in the development of museum work in the regional center. One of the most valuable items in his collection, which is now kept at the regional museum of local lore, is a silver knight's belt with images of Polish kings and Lithuanian princes. According to legend, it belonged to Stephen Báthory. By the way, the belt will be displayed after a long break and only for a few days. In addition, the exhibition will feature various silver items, jewelry, a rich numismatic collection, and household items. The opening of the exhibitions is timed to coincide with the republican scientific and practical conference "Vitebsk Antiquities," which will be held at the regional museum of local lore on October 22-23 with the participation of scientists, archaeologists, museum workers, teachers, and university students from the country. -0-