History of Russia: Penza Local Lore Museum unveils an exhibition “People are liberated, but are people happy?”

The year 2011 saw the anniversary of one of the most crucial reforms in the history of Russia – the serfdom abolition reform, which was passed 150 years ago. This theme has become a central one at the new exhibition called “People are liberated, but are people happy?”, which was mounted at Penza Local Lore Museum. This exhibition showcases documents, photographs, books which cast the light on the position of peasantry before serfdom abolition and a hard exit from bondage. It puts on display The Statutes Concerning Peasants Leaving Serf Dependence of February 19, 1861 and The Emancipation Manifesto of Alexander II republished in 1911 to mark reform’s 50th anniversary. Among unique exhibits are authentic documents dated 1860s.

The exhibition illustrates the mood of Penza peasantry and nobility in March 1861 and reasons for discontent with this reform displayed by peasants. A part of the exhibition shows rebellions of peasants and Kandievsky uprising, shooting and punishment of participants of this rebellion. The exhibition unveils authentic photos which help to see the disastrous state of peasantry even in early 20th c.