Educational Science School Museum in Forming Pupils' Understanding of the History

In relation to School Museum development, Latvia has accumulated experience from the beginning of the 20th century, however, its content was influenced by historical and political processes. More contemporary activities and stock accumulation took place after the political restoration of the Republic of Latvia in the 1990' s. Nowadays the importance of School Museums is growing, triggered by the research direction of microhistory, the epicentre of which is, little people" with their views on the historical periods and events that are different from the views, explanations and versions expressed formally. The research carried out is an interdisciplinary qualitative study and describes pedagogical experience gained over a long term period. The methods used are the following: theoretical (scientific literature analysis), empirical (observation, discussions, interviews, situation analysis), historical and descriptive. It is concluded that the school museum materials can be practically used in varied forms of study and methods; the involvement of pupils, parents, alumni and local community is essential in the museum development process and activities; pupils, investigating and finding out the nearest history and events, make the vision of the future - towards a city, country, as well as world history. Classes at the School Museum promote not only the knowledge of the history, but, according to a survey of senior students, they also have an educational function, they form the attitudes of students towards their school, city, and country.