CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF MUSEUMS OF THE BSSR DURING THE KHRUSHCHEV “THAW” (1953–1964)

Abstract

The article characterizes the cultural and educational activities of museums during the Khrushchev “thaw” (1953–1964). Based on archival primary sources and historical literature, an important period in the history of domestic museums is considered, which coincided with criticism of the cult of personality and rehabilitation of victims of political repression, space exploration and peaceful nuclear energy, economic reforms and improvement of people’s material lives, and, finally, an attempt to build communist society. Party and state policy in the field of museum affairs of the BSSR during this period was aimed at the ideological and political education of Soviet citizens, increasing the number of excursions and other public events, and promoting communist ideas and worldviews. The main forms of cultural and educational work of museums were excursions, lectures, traveling exhibitions, clubs, seminars, and meetings. Museums have finally gained the status of scientific and educational institutions.