TEHIC-Handbook_of_best_practices

112 TEHIC Towards a European Heritage Interpretation Curriculum 7.1.1. Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding Brief description Betina citizens have a centuries-long tradition in making (small scale) wooden ships which served for local demand, as they worked the land in a nearby archipelago or prac - tised small-scale trades. While this tradition of a unique craftsmanship gradually started to be less important in many villages of the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas in the first half of the 21 st . century, due to economic changes, it practically disappeared in the 1970s and the 1980s, when mass tourism became the main source of income for many small Mediterranean villages, the Adriatic Sea included. But in Betina, residents took a different approach, they welcomed tourism but keeping their identity alive at the same time, thanks to the engagement of the Betina Gajeta 1740 Association (local OCS). The years 2014-2015 marked a newmomentum, when local politicians recognised invest - ing in culture and heritage was of uttermost importance. Foremost, due to the interest shown by the local community and their constant pro-active engagement. Accordingly, in an extremely brief time (for Croatian usual museum/heritage experiences) the Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding was thoughtfully planned (which is an important part), and later operationally delivered: the Museum opened in mid-2015. After this, thanks to a perfect planning of its educational/interpretive programmes and activities, the Museum was awarded by Europa Nostra for its education training and awareness-raising (2019). The Museum preserved the main part of the old Betina harbour for traditionally built wooden ships. Now, the income earned by the Museum further benefits the entire sur - rounding territory, both land and sea. Launching of a new build boat/ship in Betina. Photo © Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding