Museum of the History of the Ice Battle

The idea of creating this museum was born in 2010. Vladimir Potresov, Tatiana Namestnikova, and Elena Gavrilova decided to open a museum dedicated to the history of the USSR Academy of Sciences expedition in the village of Samolva to clarify the location of the Ice Battle. In 2015, the exposition of this museum became part of the Museum of the History of the Ice Battle. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Russian-Livonian War of 1240-1242 and the final battle of this period – the Ice Battle. Here is the story about the work of the USSR Academy of Sciences expedition to clarify the site of the Ice Battle.

The museum hosts meetings with historians and “Chudsky” readings are held. The employees of the museum are engaged in publishing activities. The museum has a scientific and historical library and cinema. Every year, on May 9, the Samolva Immortal Regiment starts its march from the museum building. The museum’s activities were awarded the Cultural Heritage National Prize in the “Keeper” category.

The main hall is dedicated to the history of the Russian-Livonian War of 1240-1242 and the final battle -the Ice Battle. Weapons from the 13th century, maps, diagrams, household items, a layout of the geographical environment at the time of the battle, and weapons of Russian soldiers and Livonian knights are presented.

There is a model of the bottom of Chudskoye Lake with the remains of the Crow’s Stone in the small hall. There is a diving suit called “Trehboltovka”(three-bolt) among the unique exhibits. All items that are presented in the hall are related to the history of the complex expedition, organized by the USSR Academy of Sciences in the late 1950s and early 1960s to clarify the site of the Ice Battle.