History and culture: Unique documents related to death of Mikhail Lermontov displayed in Stavropol

Until October 1, 2011 the State Archive of the Stavropol Territory will house a historical and documentary exhibition "Let my distant descendants preserve the history of my passions and deeds" in honor of the 170th anniversary of the death of the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov.

The uniqueness of the exhibition lies in its exhibits - original archival documents on the poet’s stay in Caucasus in 1837 and 1841, and his death. Those wishing to touch history, can learn more about the poet’s life from a manuscript of Elizabeth Yakovkina, the former director of the Pyatigorsk museum "House of Lermontov", which recovers the most complete picture of the events of Lermontov's last days. These materials are exhibited for the first time.

Also on display there is information about when and under what circumstances in Stavropol region appeared cultural sites that perpetuate the memory of Lermontov, and how during the last 170 years people celebrated the important dates associated with the name of the poet.

The official documents on the duel between Mikhail Yurevich and officer Nicholas Martynov such as a report of Pyatigorsk town council, prisoners' statements, etc. have also become available to the public

The displayed archival documents are accompanied with reproductions of paintings by Mikhail Lermontov, rare photographs of places which the poet liked to visit, copies of autographs and manuscripts. In total, the exposition includes about fifty valuable archival documents.