Private Balaton

The Private Balaton

The Private Balaton Project will explore and make visible the past and present of Lake Balaton through analogue and digital means. This will mainly be achieved by presenting private material at the above-mentioned locations, as well as on community sites and web platforms accessible to the wider public.
Through the active participation of local residents and visitors, this project will explore the everyday life, private history and memories of the Balaton region.

The programme began in 2022 with a research and collection project. People were asked to share stories and important events in their lives related to the region, either through photos or personal narratives. The collection will draw on the local history section of the library, its rich collection of documents and objects, and the results of earlier research over the past decades. These memories and experiences will be processed and presented to the public at various installations and exhibitions at various locations in the region; mainly at railway stations and piers along Lake Balaton. Interesting and varied programmes are planned to accompany the exhibitions which will enhance the visibility and promotion of the region.

The aim of the project is to process and present the private history of Lake Balaton through innovative and exciting methods that will more effectively engage younger generations. For example, we would like to cooperate with local institutions, municipalities, civil organisations, MÁV (Hungarian National Railway), BAHART (Balaton Shipping Company) and the Hungarian Sailing Association. Community involvement (people with local, regional and Balaton ties) is key.

The Collection

Our partners