Hands-On Practical Course: Work with a Museum Collection

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Course Overview

This 15-day hands-on training course offers a unique opportunity to work directly with museum collections in a real museum environment in Northwestern Bulgaria. Participants will gain practical experience in collection documentation, exhibition development, and the preparation of promotional materials, guided by experienced museum professionals.

The programme combines intensive practice with professional standards, providing an immersive learning experience that covers the full workflow of museum collection work—from object handling and cataloguing to public presentation. All accommodation, meals, and local logistics are included, allowing participants to fully focus on learning and professional development.

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Project description

The site where the course will take place is an archaeological park established around the ancient fortress “Kaleto,” located near the town of Mezdra. During many years of excavations here (a total of 36 years), layers from the Chalcolithic period (late 5th and early 4th millennium BC), the Roman and Late Roman periods (2nd–4th century AD), and the Middle Ages (11th–12th century AD) have been uncovered. Unique for the region’s history are the fortress walls preserved up to a height of 8 meters, built at the end of the 2nd century AD.

From all these periods, a vast number of artifacts have been discovered during the excavations. Particularly impressive is the collection of prehistoric vessels and tools, as well as ancient coins and metal objects. During the Roman period, a ceramic production center also existed at the site, from which remarkable examples of Roman pottery have been preserved.

Unfortunately, however, this wealth of findings is currently poorly presented. A modest exhibition has been created on-site within the archaeological complex, but it does not meet modern standards. The exhibited items are neither registered nor documented in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The present project has the following objectives:

1. To inventory the artifacts through comprehensive documentation (photographs, technical drawings, descriptions).
2. To develop a new exhibition plan in line with contemporary trends in museology.
3. To propose texts for new annotations and informational panels in the exhibition.
4. To register the collection in accordance with the Bulgarian Cultural Heritage Act.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

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Certification

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Practical Training in Museum Collection Work.

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Accommodation – Hotel Dolce Vita, Mezdra

Complex Dolce Vita is a welcoming hotel-restaurant located just outside Mezdra, Bulgaria, conveniently situated along the main E-79 road and close to local archaeological sites such as Kaleto (about 500 m).

The hotel offers comfortable rooms with essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerator, private bathroom, and a balcony — ideal for student stays after fieldwork or coursework.

Facilities include 24-hour reception, breakfast service, and free parking, and guests can enjoy the outdoor area and nearby natural surroundings for relaxation.

Its close proximity to public transport (bus and train stations in Mezdra approx. 1.5 km) and easy access to the field school and museum sites make Hotel Dolce Vita a convenient and practical choice for students participating in museum and archaeological programs in the region.

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Agenda

The course is divided into two modules: (1) Work with museum artifacts and (2) Digitization and work with graphic software.

Breakfast is provided by the hotel at 8:00 a.m. Work on the museum collection begins at 9:00 a.m. at the archaeological complex “Kaleto.” At 11:00 a.m., there is a half-hour break. Near Kaleto, there are shops and cafés that can be used during the break.

The morning session is dedicated to Module 1 – working with the museum collection. This is a practical activity that includes describing the objects, measuring them, photographing them with scale, and (if necessary) creating graphic drawings of the more significant artifacts. All this data is recorded in an inventory book.

Lunch is at 1:30 p.m. at the hotel. After lunch, participants have two hours (until 5:00 p.m.) for rest. At 5:00 p.m., work resumes at the archaeological complex with Module 2 – digitization and graphic software. In this module, participants work with the photographs and drawings produced. Suitable annotations or informational panels with explanations and relevant images are also prepared.

Dinner is at 7:30 p.m., again at the hotel.

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Free time

For the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the program includes excursions to notable historical sites in the region. On Saturday, the group will visit the Regional History Museum in Vratsa and the Ledenika Cave. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Vratsa, the “Vratsata” Pass (a natural landmark and ancient fortress), and the stunning nature of the so-called “Vratsa Balkan” — a karst mountain area offering exceptionally scenic views.

On Sunday, we will visit the Cherepish Monastery and the natural landmark “Ritlite”, near which there are two churches (a Late Antique basilica and a medieval one) as well as an ancient fortress.

During the excursions, breakfast will be provided at the hotel, and packed lunches will be arranged. If the group wishes, various restaurants and dining venues may also be visited, but in that case, the cost will not be covered by the program.

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The Admission Fee

The Admission fee includes: Full 15-day on-site practical training, full-board accommodation (3 meals per day), Local transportation during the course, Access to museum collections and professional workspaces, Training materials, Certificate of completion.

The participation fee does not cover: international transportation expenses, transfer from Sofia airport to the excavation place and back, visa expenses (if is necessary), health insurance, CFAR travel insurance.

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PERIOD OF STAY	PRICE	DISCOUNT
One session (3 weeks)	€ 2,125
Super Early Bird (until 31 December 2025) - 3 weeks	€ 1,913	10%
Early Bird (until 15 March 2026) - 3 weeks	€ 2,019	5%
Group of three or more people - 3 weeks	€ 1,913	10%
Alumni students	€ 1,807	15%

*The discount is not cumulative! For example - if you are a group and apply with Early registration in the Application form you should check whether you prefer an Early registration discount (5%) or a Group discount (10%)

*If you need a visa for Bulgaria, you will have to pay an additional 250 euros, which includes state fees, certification, postal costs, and administrative processing of the documents.

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FIELD SCHOOL APPLICATION

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See also our other course EXCAVATE A LATE ANTIQUE CITY