NEWS

Cultural institutions of Panevėžys City Municipality constantly try to engage visitors with interactive and creative activities that encourage active participation and a deeper interest in arts and culture. Educational programs, interactive exhibitions, artistic events, and creative workshops are just some of the activities where visitors can not only observe but also become part of a unique cultural process. One of such initiatives is the project "Returned History," implemented by the "Stasys Museum" in partnership with the Zemgale Regional Development Department, as well as the municipalities of Bauska, Jēkabpils, Aizkraukle, Jelgava, Rokiškis and Akmenė districts.

"We are pleased that the recently opened “Stasys Museum” is actively involved in project activities. “Returned History” will help preserve cultural heritage for future generations and provide an opportunity to better understand our origins and connect with historical facts. This will be another great example of how traditional history research methods can be combined with modern technologies and creativity to promote education and cultural outreach," says Asta Čeponienė, Head of Culture and Arts Department of the Panevėžys City Municipality.

The goal of the "Returned History" project is to create a unique tourism route that will not only revitalize the oldest city park, Skaistakalnis, but also allow visitors to delve deeper into the history and culture of Panevėžys. By the end of this summer, the interactive route will offer Panevėžys residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the renovated Skaistakalnis Park, the estate of Juozas Čerkesas, and learn about historical figures and events that shaped the city's heritage through smart solutions.

The 12-stop interactive tourist route will include virtual reality elements that will reveal the life and activities of Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis and aspects of Panevėžys cultural heritage. In cooperation with Latvian border municipalities, the route will become part of a broader regional network connecting cultural heritage sites in both countries, promoting tourism and intercultural dialogue.

The "Returned History" project is being implemented under the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Program. It is set to be completed by January 2026. Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Centre, as a project partner, has been allocated more than 84,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund to carry out project activities.