This museum was founded on 15th July 1971 and has, since then, been a storehouse for the objects that have been found on the yearly summer archaeological expeditions in Staraya Ladoga. The museum’s collection is based around items of cultural value, some of which were found inside the funeral barrows located in the town. Much of the collection was donated to the museum by the collector Inostrantsev, which he gathered during the 19th century, and the first floor room includes items such as jewellery (most notably the beautiful glass and amber beads), weapons, clothing, cooking utensils and money. One room on the ground floor holds paintings of the town, its surroundings, and important people connected with Staraya Ladoga, while the other is dedicated to photographs and details of important events dating from life in the 1970s (for example, the opening of a new school and theatre, and a ceremony to honour war veterans).
This fascinating and well curated museum highlights the archaeological significance of Staraya Ladoga, as well as offering a comprehensive overview of its recent history, and is well worth a visit on a trip to the ancient town.