Currently, the only museum in the town of Sortavala - a "Regional Museum of Northern Ladoga." It was founded in 1992 in a former manor Dr. Winter. Farmstead in itself is a monument of antiquity. It was built in 1903 for the famous Finnish surgeon and public figure. Currently manor house on the register of cultural and historical monuments of the Republic of Karelia. The facade and interior of the building have been preserved in its original form. The museum was so named because in the moment of creation was the only one in the North Ladoga area.

The activities of the museum is the collection and storage of natural history exhibits, research and popularization as new discoveries and existing exhibits. More scientific museum staff spend sightseeing and tourism work, lectures and consultations on local lore, organizing cultural events.

The first exhibits in the museum's collection have become everyday objects, paintings, drawings and ethnography, which were brought here from the Valaam State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve. Gradually, the museum replenished with exhibits from museums and schools in the nearby towns of Sortavala College.

At present, the exhibition of the museum present the history of the territory of the Ladoga area, since ancient times - about 2 million. Years ago and up to the 1960s. Here are a variety of collections. It is written sources, painting, drawing, philocarty, numismatics, ethnography. Age objects collected museum - from the 18th century to the present day.

Among the most interesting collections of natural science and a comprehensive collection of minerals. The museum organized a special expedition, during which has been significantly updated with geological collection. This rock samples are in the North Ladoga area, these are different kinds of marble: Ruskeala and yuvenskogo, Serdobol granite. There is also a stone Sortavala, the so-called "firm" which was named after the city, and therefore unique. In addition to local samples in this collection includes minerals and rocks of Karelia, Russia, or other countries. In total, the collection has more than 400 items.

During the expedition to collect the exhibits in the district have been found unique items, such as the tip of the spear, dating from the 18th century, the bell, which in the 17th century, the city gave itself the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, fragments of ancient Swedish armor, knight armor of the 12th century.

The museum has five exhibition halls, which reflect the history of the town of Sortavala. In one of the halls, you can learn a lot about the architecture of the city and region. In another room you can learn the history of the formation of the landscape Priladozhje, learn a lot about the natural resources of the region and about his nature, about earthquakes, meteorites and ancient volcanoes. A separate exhibition tells the history of the city of Sortavala, what people lived here in ancient times as the area grew and developed.

Very interesting collection of household items - is a subject of 19-20 century. The exhibition includes clothes, spinning wheel, loom, toys made of birch bark, copper and wooden utensils. Scientific staff have prepared an interesting story about life of people in the border of Karelia. Experts gathered information about various local obryadah19 century wedding, maternity, funeral. A separate exhibition hall "Country School", dedicated to the students. The exhibition features more than 200 authentic objects: an old school desk, samples of paper and ink, paper clips, pens, books and textbooks, drawing tools, and more.

In addition to exhibitions, the museum also offers educational services. Scientists lecture about the life of the ancient inhabitants of Karelia, about the history of the region, about the folk festivals and customs, about architecture, art and culture of the peoples of the Lake Ladoga area. The building of the museum organizes a variety of themed evenings, meetings and competitions. It is not just a museum, it is a lively cultural center of the city of Sortavala.