The Goths’ Return to the Hrubieszów Basin. The Social Use of Archaeological Heritage for Building a Local Identity

Abstract

Archaeological investigations of the Gothic culture in the Hrubieszow Basin started in 1977. From the very beginning, they attracted great interest of the local community. In 2002, after the excavations were declared officially over, the residents of Masłomęcz, together with the archaeologists, local self-authorities, NGOs and the Hrubieszow Museum, decided to take advantage of the archaeological heritage to build a local identity. As a result of many activities and bottom-up initiatives of the residents of Masłomęcz, a historical reconstruction group was established, followed by the Goths’ Village open-air museum, which combines educational, tourism, and scientific functions.