For me, being able to hear other people’s stories has been a precious gift. Founding the Museum, being accepted and giving back. EMT is the product of human relations and social bonds that give life new meaning. These still act as an incentive for the Museum to continue to supply society and be supplied with memories and knowledge. Every day we open the glass door by holding the beaten iron door knob, a gift from an exquisite craftsman and fellow citizen, whilst the wooden 1900 Cross, used for the sanctification of the Museum, has been a generous donation of Ortakio (Ivailograd) minister. These two objects, symbolic and true, mark the philosophy and relationship of the Museum with the local community that it belongs to and is open to each and every calling it makes.

I would like to thank all those marked by the bitter memories of leaving their homes for the unknown, those who strived to cultivate their land, people I have met during my endless walks at the villages in Thrace. I would like to thank these people for our discussions regarding both yesterday and today, their lost fortunes (bereketia) and immigration. Thank them for our endless chats, for educating me, leading me to a conclusion that defined me. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who has shared their own individual story or the big picture, references, memories, sometimes with no hesitation, or while staring silent at the horizon beyond the river. I would like to say thank you to all those who rely on the work of the Museum and help enrich its collection by donating books, clothes, costumes, weaponry, jewellery, tools, utensils and evidence, justifying and legalising their choices. I am grateful to everyone who has gifted us with little things, mementos brought to their new homes, carrying trivial stories, personal or collective, smells, sounds, images of their birth place.

All those who gifted us with every day, modest and luxurious objects, both of the same value, hiding stories about eyes that have seen a lot, bosoms tenderly holding babies and warming up cocoons, about hands that ploughed and sowed, harvested, pruned, weaved; processes and techniques where we can recognize our civilization archetypes.

Angeliki Giannakidou

Founder of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace