Archives: St. Petersburg mounts “History of Russian Charity” exhibition

An exhibition “History of Russian Charity” is opening on June 15, 2011 at the exhibition hall of the Russian State Archive (St. Petersburg).

The exhibition turns the spotlight on the history of philanthropy in Russia between 18th – early 20th cc.: from Peter the Great’s decrees, which concerned taking care of injured and retired soldiers, to documents which instructed to offer help to injured, families of killed soldiers, orphans and refugees during World War I, which illustrate development of private and public charity.

The flowering of charity practices in Russia falls at the time of Catherine II, who established foundling hospitals (orphanages). Maria Feodorovna, spouse of Emperor Paul I, kept the tradition, and set up a whole network of charitable institutions, which were later called after her - Mariinski.

The institution, which was founded on initiative of Alexander I, Imperial Philanthropic Society, became a new phenomenon for Russia. In late 19th c. appeared Houses of Industry and Guardianships of Public Sobriety, which continued accumulating private funds into public and state organizations.

Due to the initiative and funds of private individuals after the 1860 reforms Russia saw the appearance of social institutions, like secondary vocational and technical education, various systems of corporate and professional mutual aid, institutions which took care of children when their parents were at work, free libraries and many others.

The exhibition presents documents which show philanthropic activities of noble aristocratic families - Sheremetyev, Golitsyn, Shtiglits, Oldenburg families and other members of the Imperial family.