Regional Museums as Centers of Strengthening the Local Cultural Identity and as Tourist Attraction. The Case Study of the Display and the Educational Program of the Archaeological Collection of Thespies (Biotia, Greece)

The case of Thespies inserts a new dimension to the concept of “educational program,” since the learning needs acquire a centripetal character to be subsequently radiated into an array of learning tools and activities. The aim of the educational material is to illuminate aspects of the culture and history of ancient Thespies, and to highlight the interdisciplinary approach applied right through the excavation preparation stage up to the exhibition and interpretation of the findings. The involvement and substantial assistance the local society has offered, during the reshaping of the space, serve as affirmations of the institutional social and instructive role that every cultural institution primarily ought to perform. The present study thus attempts to address the following questions: What is networking museums and how can be related to the use, reuse, and restoration of buildings? Is it possible for new museum to revive the region where it is located? Can the encouragement of active participation of the public in the preparation of a museum to guarantee the creation of a relation between the public and cultural institution?