Vincas Žilėnas, Cultural Historian and Museologist

Description

Vincas Žilėnas was one of the most prominent museum professionals in Lithuania during the second half of the 20th century, a creator of the Lithuanian History and Ethnography Museum, and a researcher of Lithuanian culture and history. His merits in preserving and popularizing Lithuanian heritage can be compared to the activities of Eustachijus Tiškevičius and his associates in the mid-19th century, as well as the establishment of the Senieji Museum in Vilnius, influenced by the work of museum professionals such as Paulius Galaunė and Peliksas Bugailiškis in the first half of the 20th century.
This publication by the Lithuanian National Museum consists of Vincas Žilėnas's creative legacy. It includes the most important articles dedicated to Lithuanian cultural history and museum issues, which remain scientifically relevant to this day and were published in the contemporary press. Additionally, it features unpublished manuscripts from his estate held at the Lithuanian National Museum, providing insights into historical and museological research as well as memories of his museum work.

The publication also includes reminiscences from relatives, friends, colleagues, and associates, portraying Vincas Žilėnas as a meticulous, creative professional in museum activities, and an open, straightforward, and tolerant individual. The publication is supplemented with a comprehensive bibliography of Vincas Žilėnas's work.