The third adopted monument in Espoo

KAMU Espoo city museum and Karhusaari Art Center Support Association Karttu signed a cooperation agreement according to the Adopt a Monument activity on November 29, 2023. The agreement concerns the maintenance work of the archaeological site of battle trenches and artillery batteries from the Crimean War in Karhusaari. The Adopt a monument activity is a national, contract-based voluntary work to care for and nurture the built cultural environment, archaeological sites or cultural landscape.

The land fortification is located on the east and south shores of Karhusaari and was built in 1855–1856.

- The site is the first protected archaeologigal site to be adopted in Espoo and is therefore significant, says KAMU's intendant Eetu Sorvali. The aim is to promote the preservation of a nationally significant site and increase awareness of it. The maintenance work follows a plan prepared for the site. The plan is approved by the city of Espoo and the Finnish Heritage Agency. The ramparts of the four-gun battery and the rifle position have become overgrown.

- The agreed maintenance work mainly consists of clearing vegetation and cleaning up rubbish. The first clearing will be carried out in the early spring of 2024 before the nesting season of birds, says Sanna Vihervuori, the responsible manager of the project, Karttu's vice president, and welcomes everyone interested in the history of Karhusaari to participate.

Karttu ry also plans to renew the information sign in front of Sinebrychoff's villa and order a new one along Rantaraitti, Espoo Waterfront Walkway, which will also include information about the underwater barrier between Karhusaari and Hanasaari. 

Additional information:

Karttu, Executive Director Ulla Kuusimäki +358 41 5153535, ulla@ullan.fi

KAMU Espoo City Museum: Senior Curator Eetu Sorvali, eetu.sorvali@espoo.fi