At the Lithuanian Sea Museum – an exhibition covering 1,000 years

The Lithuanian Sea Museum invites you to discover the exhibition "The Sea and Lithuania: 793–1918." It is a modern, visually appealing exhibition that reveals plenty of unexpected facts. Many are surprised by the date indicated in the title – 793. Is there really no mistake, or should it be 1793?

The exhibition covers almost 1,000 years

"No!" – firmly replies the author of the exhibition concept, historian Dr. Dainius Elertas. The exhibition truly covers a period of almost a thousand years, combining episodes of maritime history that reflect the experiences of lands, tribes, and nations associated with Lithuania.

The historian notes that until the 20th century, neither circumstances nor the mentality of society were conducive to the formation of Lithuania's maritime identity.

"In the past, there were only isolated maritime episodes, attempts to break out of the mainland," says Dr. D. Elertas. "However, little-known pages of history can become a source of inspiration for strengthening the characteristics of a maritime state in the present."

A journey through history in the depths of the caponier

The exhibition is housed in an authentic caponier, a protruding part of the Curonian Spit sea fort, which descends from the courtyard towards the protective moat. The space is small and challenging, especially since it was extremely important not to damage the heritage features of the fort. However, the creators of the exhibition turned this challenge into a unique feature and used the space as a means of enhancing the narrative.

The exhibition begins in 1918 and, seemingly naturally, as the caponier deepens, it descends into the depths of history through the period of Tsarist Russia, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Baroque, the Renaissance, and back to the Middle Ages and the Viking era. Here, intriguing stories about the Viking era and battles are presented. In the 8th–13th centuries, the Curonians, Semigallians, Skalvians, and Sembians fought and traded on the northern and western edges of what is now Lithuania. The last Baltic Vikings, the Curonians, were still engaged in piracy in the 13th century.

From the 15th to the 18th centuries, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania supplied Western Europe with forest and agricultural products – grain, beef, fiber, and wood. Lithuanian resources contributed to the development of large cities, geographical discoveries, and the industrial revolution.

In the 19th century, Lithuanians discovered the sea in other countries – the Kingdom of Prussia/German Empire and the Russian Empire. Coastal residents fished at sea and served in the fleets of other countries. The joys of rowing and sailing were experienced under foreign flags.

From human trafficking to the invention of the diving suit

Dr. D. Elertas is a historian who is able to highlight unexpected or even exotic facts from the past. The exhibition tells the story of human trafficking, when Lithuanian women were sold to the East and to Scandinavian countries. The exhibition also introduces the colorful personality of Kristupas Arcisevskis from Birzai in the 17th century. After completing his military studies, K. Arcisevskis remained in the Netherlands and, interested in water engineering, constructed the first rigid diving suit, which he tested by spending several hours underwater. Later, he became a conquistador in South America, appointed by Portugal to lead expeditions, built forts in Brazil, and even proposed that the Grand Duchy of Lithuania establish a colony in South America due to its abundant gold resources, which could help the king get out of debt.

Among the unique exhibits – a beer mug

The atmosphere of the exhibition is enhanced by scenographic elements, the visual design of which was created by UAB "Abrakadabra dirbtuves". However, the main focus is, of course, on the exhibits.

Here you will see a unique 17th-century beer mug, its counterpart is kept in Copenhagen. The mug is special because its bottom is made of pure lead, so it does not slide off the table on a ship. The mug was found on the Lithuanian coast and may have been washed ashore by the waves from a sunken ship.

Another unique exhibit is a compass in a wooden box, made by an English craftsman. The remaining stamps show that it was made and certified in Klaipeda. The collection of ship models, reflecting their types and historical changes, is no less interesting and valuable.

Interesting for the whole family

The creators of the exhibition deliberately aimed to use as few IT elements as possible. "They just liven up the exhibition a little," said Dr. D. Elertas. "When visiting the exhibition as a family, a parent may be attracted to one topic and want to hear the whole story about it. Meanwhile, a younger child will be happy to watch a playful video story about pirates."

 

The exhibition installation was funded by the European Union