Description
This project brings together archival materials, 21st century technology, and historical theatre, to celebrate Puurmani manor’s role as the site of Julius Kuperjanov’s partisan battalion during the Estonian War of Independence. The grant will be used to transform one of the manor’s rooms into an exhibition space that showcases information about three facets of the manor’s history. In addition to providing artifacts, photographs and documents relevant to Kuperjanov’s stay at the manor, the space will host information and displays about the manor’s original owners, the Von Manteuffelite family, and about the manor’s history and continued operations as a school. A digital kiosk will greet visitors to the exhibition and provide them with easily navigable information about the mansion. Another component of the project is the production of a play about Julius Kuperjanov’s life and role in securing Estonian independence. Through increased marketing efforts the project’s promoters hope to boost the manor’s visitors by 15-25% annually. This type of increase in visitors will also help create new entrepreneurial opportunities for local handcraft artisans.
Summary of project results
Puurmani manor houses a basic school. The main building was restored with the funding of EEA grants in the period of 2004-2009. The aim of the development project was to find new ways how to open the manor to the visitors. To meet the eye the story of Julius Kuperjanov, a national hero from Independence War, was highlighted. The new museum room exhibits the story of the war, its’ heroes and the events that took place in Puurmani. The exhibition will be supported by the theatre play to be presented by local children. The theme is expected to be very popular among school groups. Another event initiated by the project is the annual singing competition for the pupils of manor schools all over Estonia. The broader aim of the competition is to strengthen the identity of all the manor schools and provide common activities. The equipment purchased enables also to arrange other types of cultural activities in the manor complex. As a part of the project the training for local guides and service providers was carried out to improve the ability to host the guests, provide seasonal employment and improve the possibilities of local people to compete on the labour market. The project reached its goals to create new educational and tourism products and to activate local and national manor school community. The project enhanced regional development, awareness on cultural heritage and laid ground for job creation.
Summary of bilateral results