Description of the attraction
One of the main attractions of the Greek island of Hydra, which played one of the main roles in the liberation war for the independence of the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire, is undoubtedly the Museum of Historical Archives of Hydra. This museum is rightfully considered one of the best museums in the country and perfectly illustrates the history of the Greek Revolution and the formation of the modern Greek state, as well as the history, traditions and culture of the island itself, from the beginning of the 18th century to the present day.
The museum was founded in 1918 and was housed in an elegant mansion owned by the native of the island, ship owner and patron of the arts Gikas Koulurus. The museum's collection is based on the unique Municipal Archives of Hydra (1708-1865) discovered by the current mayor Antonios D. Lignos in the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. In 1952, the museum building was officially donated to the state and has since been run by the Ministry of Education and controlled by the National Archives of Greece. In 1972, the old building was demolished and a new one was built in its place. In 1996, the new Museum of Historical Archives of Hydra opened its doors to visitors.
In the exposition of the museum you can see unique relics related to the Greek Revolution, the Balkan Wars, the First and Second World Wars, as well as exhibits from the pre-revolutionary period - weapons, navigation equipment, an excellent collection of navigation maps (including the Big Map of Rigas Fereos), ship models, traditional clothes of the inhabitants of Hydra, engravings and much more. A special place in the museum's exposition is occupied by a silver lekith, which contains the embalmed heart of Admiral Miaulis. The excellent art gallery deserves special attention, where portraits of prominent historical figures (Andreas Miaulis, Emmanuel Tombasis, etc.) and canvases depicting ships (mostly watercolors) are presented.
The unique archive that the museum has is of colossal historical value and contains a huge number of different documents (primary documents, manuscripts, codes, lists, etc.) from both state and private archives, telling in detail about the island of Hydra, its history, traditions and culture of its inhabitants. The museum also has an excellent library, which contains more than 6,000 volumes, an impressive part of which are old and rare editions dating back to the early 18th century.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, thematic lectures and seminars, educational programs, as well as various cultural events.
