To the guardianship over Ukrainian ancientness: Yuriy Polanski and the Museum of Shevchenko Scientific Society

Abstract

The main aspects of the scientific activity of famous Ukrainian geologist, geomorphologist and archaeologist Professor Yuriy Polanski that related to his work at the Shevchenko Scientific Society during the interwar period were highlighted. The path of developing a young scientist as a museum employee from a compiler of museum collections to a director of the Museum of Shevchenko Scientific Society is analyzed. Through the prism of scientific work of the scientist, the status of Ukrainian science between two World wars is reflected. The role and significance of the Shevchenko Scientific Society in the development of archaeological and natural sciences, organization of scientific life in Galicia are shown. More attention is paid to the consideration of the activities of the Museum, the Mathematical-Natural-Medical Section and the Geographic Commission of Shevchenko Scientific Society in terms of guardianship over Ukrainian ancientness, i.e. archaeological monuments and monuments of inanimate nature. The role of these institutions of the Society in the creating of national consciousness of Ukrainians in the interwar period, as well as their influence on the training and formation of scientific personnel, are highlighted. Through the interpersonal contacts of scientists, the interaction between the natural and cultural-historical branches of the scientific work of the Shevchenko Scientific Society is considered. Key words: museum, Shevchenko Scientific Society, interwar period, archaeology, geology, Yuriy Polanski, Lviv.