Poltava church historical and archaeological committee (1906-1917) in study and preservation of cultural heritage

Abstract

The purpose of the research paper is to analyze the Poltava Church Historical and Archaeological Committee (1906-1917) role in the study and preservation of historical and cultural antiquities of Poltava gubernia. The scientific novelty. It has been established that during its brief period of activity the Poltava Church Historical and Archaeological Committee turned into a significant center for historical research in Poltava region, where the study and preservation of historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage became one of the main components, which provided the Committee with recognition and authority in scientific circles during the early 20th century. Conclusions. During its 11-year activity, the Poltava Church Historical and Archaeological Committee underwent significant growth, evolving into a comprehensive institution dedicated to researching and studying of Poltava region’s historical past. The center evolved into a genuine scientific society with its own printed organ and a distinctly delineated organizational structure, the latter of which was subject to the regulation of statutory provisions. The Committee’s membership underwent consistent expansion, and its primary responsibilities encompassed a wide range of subjects, including the theory of science, church architecture, regional peculiarities, the history of church utensils, iconography, and church applied art, among others. The Poltava Church Historical and Archaeological Committee, which was established for both scientific research and the protection of antiquities, contributed to the formation of museum affairs in Poltava region, the creation of archaeological, ethnographic, and historical and cultural collections, initiated the museumization and study of churches, and conducted extensive cultural and educational work. The activities of the Poltava Church Historical and Archaeological Committee and the eparchy’s antiquities repository were regional in nature. The main reason for its establishment was the concern for modernity and the endeavor to preserve the antiquities of Poltava region, and the completion of the antiquities repository (museum) through acquisitions, exchanges, and donations. The antiquities originated from church and monastery sacristies and libraries, excavations, parishes, private individuals, etc. In the process of expanding the antiquities repository, the methodology of their scientific study was being gradually formed, the source base was enlarged, and materials were accumulated. For consultations and assistance in systematizing the received materials, the Committee invited well-known scholars and museum professionals – M. Biliashivskyi, K. Moshchenko, O. Levytskyi, H. Pavlutskyi, and others. Significant work was carried out by the head of the eparchy antiquities repository, priest V. Trypolskyi, who personally travelled to settlements and collected artifacts, and compiled a catalog of antiquities.