Overview
The primary objective of the Gyula László Archive is to collect, organize, preserve, digitize and make accessible for research the complete collection of manuscripts, documents, scientific works and intellectual legacy of Gyula László - archaeologist, historian, artist and university professor - as well as to compare his research with the latest scientific findings.
The Archive also places particular emphasis on collecting, processing and making accessible the intellectual legacy of all Hungarian researchers, archaeologists, historians, linguists, ethnographers, orientalists and other scholars who contributed to outstanding scientific achievements in the fields of Hungarian prehistory and research on the conquest of the Carpathian Basin, research on steppe networks and the early history of the Hungarian people.
The collection of the Archive also includes the estate of Péter Halász, an ethnographer and a leading scholar of the Csángó Hungarians of Moldavia. The Archive ensures the professional preservation, archiving and protection of the collection, as well as making it accessible for research, while the Research Centre for Ethnography is responsible for cataloguing and conducting ethnographic and scientific analysis of the materials.
Mission
Mission of the Archive:
- The long-term preservation of the complete intellectual legacy of Gyula László and other prominent researchers of Hungarian prehistory, and ensuring that this legacy is accessible for research;
- the digitization of manuscripts, notes, drawings, photographic documentation and research materials;
- the exploration of the history of science of Hungarian prehistoric research;
- supporting interdisciplinary research;
- reassessing scholarly oeuvres;
- developing cultural and educational programs;
- preserving the significant scientific legacy of Hungarian prehistory research; and
- disseminating scientific findings to society.
Key Strategic Tasks
The main strategic tasks of the Archive are:
- Preservation of Gyula László’s manuscript collection;
- management of the collections of prominent figures in Hungarian prehistory research;
- management and comparative analysis of archaeological, historical, linguistic, artistic and scientific documentation in light of the latest research findings;
- archiving manuscripts, notes, correspondence, photographs, maps, drawings and research materials;
- systematic processing of scientific works;
- ensuring access for researchers; and
- the long-term preservation and archiving of the Péter Halász estate and - in collaboration with the Research Centre for Ethnography - making it accessible for research.
The activities of the Archive contribute to:
- the advancement of scientific research;
- the preservation of cultural heritage;
- strengthening the historical self-awareness of Hungarian prehistoric research;
- the long-term preservation of the national scientific heritage;
- the scientific foundation of the history of Hungarian identity; and
- the preservation of the national memory.
Key programs
(Detailed descriptions are available by clicking on the program titles.)
- Legacy and Digitization Program
- Public Education and Cultural Utilization Program
Staff
Miklós Makoldi
Head of Archive
