From the Collection to the Museum

 

The tools and objects collection, reunited at the Museum of Work, are the substantial part of the recollection made by the young students of the Civic Service, voluntarily integrated in a research project, of ethno-sociologic character, structured and directed by Michel Giacometti, during the 1975 summer, designated Work and Culture Plan.

 

By their social and cultural importance, the results went beyond the most optimistic predictions: Over 1200 objects and tools used for farming, fishing, arts and other trades were recollected.

 

Over 3000 species of folk literature (tales and legends, romances and songs, proverbs, prayers and blessings and theatre texts, etc.) were recorded.

 

300 interviews about health and public hygiene conditions and sanitary education campaigns.

 

Rich harvest of folk medical formulae and superstitious cautions.

 

Organisation of cultural animation programs and several initiatives for helping the rural populations (including the building of recreation centres, public places for washing clothes, etc.).

 

Michel Giacometti followed personally the organisation of the exhibition “Work makes the Man”, presented the collection and defined the Museum of Work's vocation.