ON THE ORIGIN AND ACTIVITIES OF DAGESTAN'S LOCAL LORE MUSEUMS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE AKHTYN LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM)
This article examines the main aspects of the formation and development of local lore museums in Dagestan, from the emergence of the first museum of local lore in the republic in 1923 and before the formation of a wide museum network. The main attention is paid to the history of the creation and activity of the Akhtyn Local History Museum, created in 1937 on the basis of a local school and local lore circles, which today is part of the Dagestan State Historical and Architectural Museum named after A. Taho-Godi, which is the largest museum association in the republic with numerous affiliates. The analysis of the collected material shows that during the period of its activity the Akhtyn Local History Museum has turned into a large scientific and educational institution and the richest storehouse of monuments of material and spiritual culture of Dagestan. The museum's funds number more than 14 thousand exhibits, among which valuable collections of ancient manuscripts, firearms and knives, archaeological collection, a collection of jewelry from silver and bronze, etc. The article highlights the main areas of museum activities, the history of the formation of collections and the structure of the museum, as well as the activities of the museum at the present stage and the prospects for its development.