The central archaeological bureau: V. A. Gorodstov's project (1923)

In 1918 the Archaeological Unit subordinate to the Department of Museums and Protection of Ancient Sites was set up in the system of the People's Commissariat for Education. V. A. Gorodstov, an outstanding scientist and archaeologist, was appointed head of this unit. His work as an administrator was on the whole successful but not all his initiatives were well received by the authorities and the archaeological community. One of such projects that never went ahead was the Central Archaeological Bureau. This project was presented in early 1923 when, after reorganization and staff reduction, the position of the Archaeological Unit - the main archaeological service of the Soviet state - no longer corresponded to its tasks. The bureau was intended to become the only agency tasked with the organization of research and studies of archaeological sites in accordance with a consolidated plan, the allocation of received collections, and, more importantly, the issuance of permits to carry out excavations...