Harri Moora facts for kids
Harri Moora was a very important Estonian archaeologist. An archaeologist is like a history detective. They study human history by digging up old things like tools, buildings, and bones. Harri Moora was born on March 2, 1900, in Ehavere, Estonia, and passed away on May 2, 1968, in Tallinn. He even received a special award called the Cross of Liberty for his contributions to his country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Harri Moora started his journey into history by studying at the University of Tartu. He graduated in 1925. This was a big step for him to become the famous archaeologist he is known as today.
Working at Museums
After his studies, Harri Moora worked as a museum director from 1930 to 1942. Museums are places where we keep and show important historical items. As a director, he helped care for these treasures and share them with the public.
Learning from Others
In 1931, Harri Moora traveled to Stockholm to study at the Baltic Institute. There, he met Ella Kivikoski, a Finnish archaeologist. They worked together and became good friends. This connection helped Harri Moora learn from other experts in Scandinavia.
Work During and After World War II
Harri Moora continued his important work at Tartu University during World War II. This was a very difficult time for many people.
Facing Challenges
In 1944, he was arrested, but he was able to return to his job at the university after the war ended. He kept working hard to uncover Estonia's past.
Leading History Research
After the war, Harri Moora became the head of the history department at the Institute of History and Archaeology. He held this important position until he passed away. He guided many other historians and archaeologists in their research.
Contributions to Archaeology
Harri Moora was a very active member of the academic community. He helped shape how archaeology was done in Estonia.
Leading Societies
From 1936 to 1950, he was the Chairman of the Estonian Learned Society. This group brought together smart people to share knowledge. He was also a member of the International Union of the History of Science, connecting with scholars worldwide.
Harri Moora's Family
Harri Moora was married to Aliise Moora, who was an ethnologist. An ethnologist studies different cultures and how people live.
A Family of Scholars
Harri and Aliise had six children. Two of their children followed in their parents' footsteps and became well-known academics:
- Tanel Moora became an archaeologist, just like his father.
- Ann Marksoo became a geographer, studying the Earth's features and human activity.
Harri Moora's grandsons also became notable. Jürgen Ligi is a politician, and Priit Ligi is also an archaeologist. It seems a love for history and learning ran in their family!
Remembering Harri Moora
After Harri Moora's death, two other Estonian archaeologists, Lembit Jaanits and Jüri Selirand, wrote a book to honor him. The book was called Studia archaeologica in memoriam Harri Moora and was published in 1970. It helped keep his memory and his important work alive for future generations.
