The Presidential Library's virtual tour dedicated to the famous Russian sailor S. O. Makarov

One can learn more about the naval figure, scientist, shipbuilder, hero of the Russo-Japanese War, Vice Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov thanks to the new virtual tour of the Presidential Library, presented on the institution’s portal in the Exhibitions section.

The virtual tour has been based on the exhibition “Vice Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov (1848–1904) - an outstanding sailor and scientist. Marking the 175th anniversary of his birth". The exhibition was publicly open in the Presidential Library in January–March 2024.

The virtual project tells about the life path of Stepan Osipovich Makarov from his youth until his tragic death on April 13 (March 31), 1904, on board the battleship Petropavlovsk, which was blown up by a Japanese mine during the defence of Port Arthur.

The exhibition showcases materials from the collections of the Russian State Archive of the Navy: archival documents, official and personal photographs, research papers of Makarov, his notes and drawings dedicated to the technical improvement of ships, naval combat tactics, and much more.

Users of the Presidential Library's portal can learn more about the family of S. O. Makarov, his studies, service in the Pacific Ocean and the Baltic Sea, participation in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, multifaceted scientific activities, participation in the exploration of the Arctic and the defence of Port Arthur.

A valuable historical source telling about Makarov’s growing up and development as a naval officer and scientist was the personal diary that Stepan Osipovich kept from the age of 14. Among the diary pages presented in the virtual exhibition are the very first, where one can read the advice of senior officers to keep regular notes, and the pages of recent years, where the traditional recording of events and thoughts has given way to a collection of business cards, newspaper clippings, photographs, letters and postcards.

Virtual projects are an actively developing area of activity of the Presidential Library, thanks to which unique materials become available to a wide audience. One can view virtual tours and excursions on the Presidential Library's portal in the Exhibitions section at https://www.prlib.ru/about_exhibition.