History of Russia: "The reformers in Russia: Dmitry and Nikolay Milutin" exhibition in St. Petersburg

Continuing the story of the famous Russian reformers of the past and the present, the Museum of Political History of Russia (St. Petersburg) on the 10th of June 2015 opens an exhibition dedicated to the outstanding statesman and military leader D. A. Milutin (1816-1912) and his brother, one of the authors of the peasant reform of 1861 N. A. Milutin (1818-1867).

The great reforms of Alexander II (1860-1870) have become a historical watershed in the development of Russia, moving it forward to the level of advanced European countries. During this period, a whole galaxy of prominent public figures appeared at the political arena, and the special place among these people belonged to Milutin brothers.

The basis of the exhibition constitutes of a rare pre-revolutionary publications: books, albums, prints, memoirs, and documents that reveal a prominent role of Milutin brothers in public transformations. Work of D. A. Milutin at the post of Minister of War, which he held for twenty years (from 1861 to 1881), is covered with the details. Visitors will see his orders and directives on improving of combat training and increase the provision of the army. Among the exhibits are the photographs and postcards of combat scenes and everyday life of the Russian army in the Balkans during the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The map that shows the division of the Russian empire in the military districts is presented for the first time, and a series of cards of “Forms of Armor of Various Regiments of the Russian Army.” A special attention belongs to the rifle and the cold steel complete set.

The second section of the exhibition is focused at N. A. Milutin’s role in the implementation of the agrarian reform of 1861. For the first time, visitors will see: a note of N. A. Milutin titled "The Consequences of Coming Spread and Strengthening of Temporary Governors-generals" with the resolution and the comments of Alexander II; composed N. A. Milyutin list of members of the editorial groups; shorthand record of all participants’ speeches on the development of the clauses on the abolition of serfdom, a compendium of executive orders on organization of life of the peasants, emerged from serfdom; rare edition of "The Main Figures of the Liberation of the Peasants."