Regions of Russia: The exhibition “Your Country: Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands through time” open in the State Historical Museum

The exhibition dedicated to the cultural, social, historical portrait of Sakhalin Region has opened within the Your Country project of the State Historical Museum.

Sakhalin Region is the easternmost territory of the country, the only Russian region located on the islands, including Sakhalin, its nearest neighbors Moneron and Tyuleny, as well as over 50 islands of the Kuril Archipelago. This year, the region celebrates the 75th anniversary since its establishment.

The region attracts with its seascapes and unique landscapes. Its history is diverse and full of events that played a significant role both in the life of the islands and in the whole country.

Sakhalin Region is a great source of various natural resources. It contains over 50 types of mineral raw materials, of which gas, oil, coal and brown coal are of industrial importance. 

Since ancient times, indigenous peoples have inhabited Sakhalin: the Nivkhs, Uilta, Evenks, Nanai. Nowadays, their number is less than one percent of the population of the island region. Still, indigenous ethnic groups keep the secrets of their ancestors. Their lifestyle hasn’t changed for centuries. They fish, breed deer, collect wild plants, engage in artistic and traditional crafts.

The exhibition showcases objects that unite the history of the region with its present, show the connection between traditions and modern days, their mutual impact. At the center of the hall, dedicated to indigenous peoples – the original inhabitants of the island, is a fishing boat. Wooden every-day objects, clothes and shoes made of fish skin give a vivid idea of the life and habits of the indigenous population. Their descendants are creators of the displayed exhibits: panels, drawings and paintings.

The Industry of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands Hall tells about the modern history of the island region. Here are featured not only unique archival newsreels about the industry development of Sakhalin Region, but also subjects of the region’s pride, such as gas carriers for transportation of liquefied natural gas. Every two days, such ships enter the Prigorodnoye Port in the south of the island and deliver the gas of the Sakhalin-2 project to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

The exposition combines objects from the collections of the biggest Sakhalin Museums – local history and art museums, the Chekhov Book Museum “Sakhalin Island”, the State Historical Archive of Sakhalin Region, private collections.

On September 16-18, Days of Sakhalin Region will be held within the framework of the exhibition. Grand cultural and educational program will feature various thematic events. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about pilot projects of the region, the development of human resources in the oil and gas industry, opportunities and prospects of tourism, the Sakhalin culture. Visitors will be able to take part in the concert program, interactive lessons with masters of folk crafts, lectures by science workers and film screenings, dedicated to the history, culture, peoples and natural resources of the region.