2018 was a turning point for the implementation of the (SSRF) project, “Repair and creation of the Archaeological Collection of Sami and mosaic exhibition in Kefalonia”. In May 2018, after focused and persistent efforts, bureaucratic obstacles were overcome, with the result that the project entered a whole new phase, a phase that secured the work of the former Heads of the Ephorate as well as of the Scientific Staff still working on the project.
After assessing the current situation, along with the project’s staff, we all proceeded to the necessary modifications and to the acceleration of the procedures concerning (e-) tenders, procurements, awards etc. The project plan needed further modifications and corrective actions. As a consequence, such priorities were set as the conducting of the so-called open e-tender for the supply and installation of exhibition display cases and other special constructionsm, implementation of the phototechnical study, printing of documentation and information material, as well as the redesign of the digital museum resources and further addition of new ones.
Specifically, as far as the digital applications are concerned, they were thoroughly redesigned in the direction of developing a personalized and personal experience-oriented information system. Space restrictions, functional issues regarding the degree of accessibility to single desktop touchscreens, but most of all the need to motivate visitor’s interest as well as to respond to the varying requirements constituted the framework of the development of a personalized system of information retrieval and interaction. The visitor through a personal mobile device has the ability not just to retrieve descriptive information concerning an object but to go to deeper levels of approach, learning and thinking. The system has been supplemented with a video projection as well as with 3D images of a roman bath establishment, finally incorporated into a VR environment in order to further enhance the visitor’s personal experience.
Now the whole project was a race against time. The general timeframe was limited. Success was a matter of proper management, this is scientific management. The final result is beyond any doubt excellent, in terms of both technical work and of presentation and documentation of the exhibits. The work done by Manos Lignos (showcases), Nikos Stamatopoulos (implementation of the phototechnical study), Athina Iakovidou, Antonis and Iasonas Tsentas (visual material and markings, museum guide, multimedia applications, audiovisual projection, digital applications), Vassilis Markakis (conservation of selected exhibits), Stavros Mavromichalis (exhibits mounds and supports) P. Kavallieratos (special exhibits photographing) and their collaborators.
The exhibition project was accomplished within two years’ time (2018-2020). For this critical period an effective work team was built, consisted of people highly qualified with willingness to offer. The outcome speaks for itself and is owed to their good work: Eleni Papafloratou (Archaeologist MSc, Head of Prehistoric and Classical Archaeological Sites and Museums Unit, supervisor of the two main subprojects). Melpomeni Andreatou (Archaeologist MA), Anna Zapheira (MA Conservator of Antiquities and Works of Art), Konstantina Fasla (Architect MA), Chrysanthi Apostolatou (Economist – Finance Project Supervisor).
The help of Paraskevi Spyratou (Antiquities Keeper), Stathis Vasilatos (Antiquities Keeper) and Antonis Pagoulatos (qualified worker) was invaluable. It would be an unforgivable omission not to mention the contribution of Yiannis Mylonas, Head of the Special Service (Executive Unit) of Culture and Stamatia Theotokatou, member of staff of the Managing Authority of the Ionian Islands’ Regional Operational Program.
Special mention must be made here of the work of Melpo Andreatou and Chrysanthi Apostolatou, the first one for the outstanding documentation of the exhibits, the writing of the texts relating both to the analog and digital information material, the continuous monitoring of schedules and procedures, the contribution to the administrative formalities and the deep knowledge of administrative procedures and the meticulous attention to detail, the second one for the financial supervision and support of such a complex project, for the excellent knowledge of the formalities and procedures, for the relentless willingness to work, most of all for her general contribution to the Ephorate. They were both the memory and soul of the whole project. They worked passionately, sacrificing countless days they rightly belonged to them as personal time. They both cooperated with Eleni Papafloratou, a colleague which played a decisive part as the supervisor of the subprojects, with a central role in the tendering procedures, Head of the most important Unit of the Ephorate, which is highly engaged in every administrative formality and procedure, as well as Anna Zaphira, supervisor of the Conservation of Exhibits. And Konstantina Fasla, Architect, who participated in drafting of tender documents, was in charge for monitoring and checking of works, acceptance of the final deliverables and for the 3d monuments design.
I saved that for last, the special contribution of two other people, not counted among the staff of the Ephorate. “Our” Petros Maragakis, member of staff of the Special Service (Executive Unit) of Culture, played a decisive role in every aspect of the project. His contribution is beyond any doubt critical, fruitful and catalyst. The second person has been fighting for many years writing in the local press for the “value” and the necessity for the local community to understand the many benefits of the enhancement, promotion and protection of the archaeological wealth of Sami, with respect to the efforts made by the Ministry of Culture and the Ephorate of Antiquities. The teacher of Physics, Antonis Kallivokas, as vice mayor, he did everything he could for his birthplace to have a Museum worthy of its long history, a pole of education and culture for the present, an investment for the future. We thank him for supporting us bring the project to a safe harbor.
The Archaeological Museum of Sami constitutes a jewel for Kefalonia. It is dedicated to all those who worked hard for its implementation, to the local community, who embraced it and was looking forward to its implementation, to the Municipality of Sami who supported the whole effort, by providing the building and part of the square, by helping as much as he could.
Grigoris Grigorakakis
Director of the Ephorate of Kefalonia and Ithaki
Archaeologist (MPhil – NSPA – PhD)
Operationals Programs:
“Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship 2007-2013” and “Ionian Islands 2014 – 2020”