The first steps for the creation of an Archaeological Museum in the country were taken in Shkodër, at the end of the 19th century.

It was first the Jesuit Order, in 1880, and later the Franciscan Order under the leadership of Father Shtjefën Gjeçovi, who established the first archaeological collection in Albanian lands, later establishing the Franciscan Museum in Shkodër.

About 500 archaeological objects, such as: bronze axes, helmets, spear weapons, pottery, coins, earrings, rings, pendants, provided by a series of excavations, were organized in this museum, according to the scientific criteria of the time in subdivisions of 48 groups. Archaeological excavations were carried out by Gjeçovi himself for a period of 26 years from Kurbin, Troshan, Koman, Shtoj to Has.

Along this itinerary, Father Shtjefën Gjeçovi discovered various stone, metal, ceramic objects, such as work tools, various utensils, war equipment, and decorative objects.

Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Shkodër in the “Amarcord” section of memory also brings a photograph of Father Gjergj Fishta, appearing in front of an exhibit of the archaeological objects of this museum, in 1920.

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