The dissertation is devoted to the actual problem of the development of museum work in the Poltava region in the historical context from the middle of the seventeenth century to 1991. A comprehensive analysis of the large volume of archival sources and published works on the history of Poltava museums leads to the conclusion that in the museum area Poltava is unique, has historical and cultural experience and potential that could be found in use the future for the development of Poltava as an important region of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian museums.
The research actualized by such factors as the lack of generalizing scientific and historical researches that would comprehensively cover the history of Poltava museums, transformational processes that took place in the museum field of region from the pre-museum stage to the end of the Soviet period; the need to return to the history of the names of undeservedly forgotten Poltava museum staff, their achievements, the specifics of the approach to solving various problems in the field of building and functioning of the museum network, which had significance and positive consequences.
The specificity of the museum business in the territory of the region during the studied time period was revealed. The peculiarities of the processes of formation of private art collections, archives, book collections, which took place in Poltava region from ancient times to the end of XIX century, are considered. The key issues of museum formation and development during this time period are analyzed, the tendency from growing interest to old-timers and gradual accumulation of historical knowledge to the beginning of search attempts and description of individual monuments, to their awareness of their place in society and the need for preservation.
The process of forming a network of museums on the territory of the region at the end of the XIX - beginning of the XX century is covered, the importance of initiatives from the state, local authorities and the important role of public organizations, scientific committees, commissions, societies in the creation of Poltava museum institutions during the given period.
The conditions and condition of the museums of Poltava region during the period of liberation competitions, the basic principles, forms and directions of activity of Poltava state museums and museums operating on a public basis in the Soviet period - until 1991, at various stages were characterized.
The main periods in the history of the development of Poltava museums can be traced from the prerequisites of its birth to 1991.
In each of the defined periods, separate stages of transformation in the museum realm of the region are distinguished the duration and peculiarities of which were influenced by their current conditions of political, socio-economic life and the level of cultural development of society, community.
It is substantiated that the historical experience of Poltava museums of Poltava region, which was formed during the study period in the context of historical and cultural transformations in the region and in the Ukrainian territories as a whole, is important for the further development of the museum business.
Scientific analysis of the history of museum business in the Poltava region at the present stage of optimization of forms and methods of activity of the museum industry institutions of Ukraine is able to become a basis for improving their activity and an important contribution to regional museology, to promote a deeper understanding of the history, culture, science of our state.
Recommendations on the use of the historical experience of Poltava museums in the further perspective development of museum work have been prepared.
