The U.S. Embassy announces the approval of a $36,400 grant to the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova to help conserve precious artifacts that date from prehistoric times to the 17th century. According to a press release from the Embassy, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, when the Treasures Room will open to the general public, IPN reports.
“We are very pleased to be able to contribute to the preservation of Moldova's rich history,” said Ambassador William H. Moser. “Understanding where we came from as a people and nation is important in determining where we want to go in the future.”
The artifacts include objects made of various materials: gold, silver, ivory, leather, and fabric. They came from archaeological excavations around Moldova. Items from the Byzantine and Islamic era found in tombs and settlements, as well as a collection of coins of the Golden Horde minted on the territory of Moldova, are among the items of greatest significance. The conservation project will be directed by Ana Boldureanu, a senior researcher at the museum.
The grant will be made possible through the U.S. State Department's Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. Moldova was one of five countries in Europe that received money through this fund.
