Presidential Library stages an exhibition on the history of documents in Russia

On the Knowledge Day the Presidential Library launched “Flow of Documents: Traditions and Innovations” exhibition. The exposition marked the new thematic year at the Presidential Library focused on the state power.

The exhibition showcases Russia’s documents coming from different epochs, from the time of Peter the Great’s reforms up to present days, writing materials, books, scholarly monographs on the history of document circulation in Russia. Plasma panels display e-copies of predecessors of modern documents – deeds of purchase and manumission charters of serfs, registration records.

Visitors may study electronic copies of legislative acts, which underlay changes in the records management system of the Russian state. Facilities of the library’s exhibition hall give an opportunity to turn over the pages and study the copies of the Manifesto of Alexander I “On Establishment of Ministries” of 1811, “Forms of Clerical Record Keeping” of the Ministry of State Property of 1841, “Regulations on Correspondence and Record Keeping in Ministry of War”.

By the decree of Peter I official documents were prepared on stamped paper. Sample of such a paper that dates back to the time of Nicholas I is put on show at the exhibition. On the screens are images of decoration elements of official documents – Russian coats-of-arms and seals.

In showcases are unveiled writing materials which date to mid. 19th c. – fountain pens, pencils and old paper clips, the paper knife, sealing wax sets and figured press tools from the archive of P. P. Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky.

Preparation of official papers became much easier with the development of technology. The exhibition delivers over twenty models of typewriters: Franklin, Gladstone, Caligraph, Imperial and others produced in Germany, Great Britain and United States in end 19th c.– beg. 20th c.

Electronic copies of archival photographs will help patrons visualize Russian officials of different times, conditions of their work. Photographs also depict various stages of document preparation.

Visitors of the exposition have a chance to see pre-revolutionary and Soviet archival photographs of technical innovations of that time – the telegraph, first telephone stations. On show is also the newsreel which reveals the work of the first computer.

The show turns the spotlight on development of the modern concept of document circulation “electronic government”. Electronic key in use – personal means for digital document protection is shown to the guests.

The exhibition was inaugurated as a part of the events timed to September 1, 2011. Right then was rolled out the new electronic collection, compiled for the library’s new thematic year – “State Authority”.

The exhibition is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for holders of the Presidential Library’s reading card, and every day – for organized groups.

The show includes the materials of Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library, Russian State Historical Archive, Museum of History of Russia’s State Papers of “Goznak” paper mill, Fundamental Library of A. I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, the Central State Archive of Film, Photo- and Phonographic Documents of St. Petersburg, “Lenfilm” film studio funds, St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University Main Library, Special Communications and Information Department of the RF Federal Protective Service in the Northwestern Federal District, P. P. Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky’s Archive, Private Collection of A. B. Ugarov.