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Estonian Rural Life Museums Received Three Nominations at the Museum Rat Awards

The Estonian Rural Life Museums, which include the Estonian Agricultural Museum, the Carl Robert Jakobson Farm Museum, and the Tori Horse Breeding Farm, have been nominated for the prestigious Museum Rat (Muuseumirott) Awards in three distinguished categories this year. These awards recognize the outstanding creativity, innovation, and contribution of Estonian museums to the preservation of cultural heritage. The winners will be announced on February 7, 2025, at the award gala held at the Tartu Kammivabrik.

The Projects Nominated by the Estonian Rural Life Museums:

Conservation Work of the Year: Partial Restoration and Conservation of the KD-35 Crawler Tractor
The restoration work was carried out by Karl Käärik and Georg Toon, conservators from the Estonian Agricultural Museum, who breathed new life into this historic tractor. Toon described how the restoration began with the tractor completely disassembled, requiring many parts to be crafted from scratch or sourced through fascinating means. The project spanned three-quarters of a year, with the most challenging aspect, according to Toon, being the removal of rust from the components.

Museum Education Promoter of the Year: Technology Classes for 8th and 9th Grade Students of Ülenurme Gymnasium
This collaboration with Ülenurme Gymnasium, which has been successfully running for five years, brings students to weekly practical technology classes at the Estonian Agricultural Museum. According to Kadri Türna, the museum’s education curator, the project is unique as the entire curriculum takes place in a museum setting under the guidance of specialists. The lessons cover topics ranging from handicrafts and cooking to animal welfare and entrepreneurship, providing students with opportunities to discover new skills and gain valuable knowledge.

Marketing Act of the Year: Marketing and Communication of the Joint Exhibition "Beet to Washing Machine"
This exhibition, created in collaboration between the Estonian Agricultural Museum, the Estonian Road Museum, and the Tartu City Museum, is part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program. The exhibition highlights the importance of DIY practices and ingenuity in both historical and modern contexts. According to Reti Meema, the marketing manager of the exhibition, the marketing strategy targeted a broad audience, boosting the visibility and visitor numbers of the museums while offering visitors a unique experience.

The Importance of the Museum Rat Awards
The Estonian Museum Awards are the most significant recognition in the museum field, highlighting outstanding initiatives and projects. This year’s nominees showcase the ability of museums to act as guardians of cultural heritage, providers of innovative solutions, and centers that support community development.

The Estonian Rural Life Museums are proud that their dedicated work in various fields has been recognized and are eagerly looking forward to the results of the awards gala.