Exhibition. "Archangelica: the family chronicle of the famous dynasties»

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​Memory about man there is, until I remember his name. There's no man without a name! And nothing is more precious than fathers ' heritage. Yellowed photographs of his great-grandfather for any money can not buy. They can only save if not in the album, it is in your heart. Sorry, we can't turn back time, but may like to have it again. Fortunately, there are always people who cherish memories, ancient documents and photographs and understand that bringing their ancestors out of family and historical oblivion and connecting them in time is a very, very worthy occupation.
December 11, 2012 in the historical and architectural complex "Arkhangelsk Gostiny Dvory" opened an exhibition - "Archangelites: family Chronicles of the famous dynasties", which is the result of the joint work of the Arkhangelsk Museum of local lore and the Arkhangelsk German national cultural autonomy"Nordlicht-Northern lights".
Since the XVII century Arkhangelsk became the second after Moscow place of a large foreign settlement. The inhabitants of the cities included in almost all spheres of its activities, has become archangelica (Archangeliten) — the Dutch, Germans, British, Norwegians left in the North port resident. So in Arkhangelsk appeared "German settlement", and many of its inhabitants were the first people of the city.
The exhibition is the fate of the famous dynasties archangelical merchants, entrepreneurs, breeders: des Fontaines, PEC, Clapton, Hoevelaken, Shergold, Lorenz, etc. Roters In an alien ethnic and religious environment, a challenging environment of Russian reality, they not only were able to use their talents and successful work for the benefit of the family business, but also to contribute to the development of economic, social and cultural life of the Northern territory. While preserving their religion, traditions and customs, the natives of Western European countries represented a single cultural community, supported by close family ties that almost did not allow marriages with Orthodox Russians. But the way of life in the North and the spiritual influence of the new homeland contributed to the formation of affection and love for the city, which became their home.
The history of the 20th century has had a tragic impact on their fate. In 20-30 years of XX century part archangelica was in custody, prisons, camps and the labor army, were subjected to deportation and execution. Today their descendants live in Germany, Brazil, Australia, USA, Canada and other countries of the world. Continue to keep the memory of their ancestors and remaining in Arkhangelsk and other cities of Russia heirs of once famous names.
The exhibition presents pedigrees and family relics, wonderfully preserved to this day and give the opportunity to experience the human joy and pain of families who have become part of our history.
"After receiving the grant, we were given the opportunity to demonstrate the remnants of the former luxury, — says the Chairman of the Arkhangelsk German national-cultural autonomy" Nordlicht-Northern lights " Natalia tselikova (ur. Leuzinger) — dishes, toys, jewelry, books and, of course, a huge number of photographs — all presented at the exhibition. So, today everyone has an opportunity to see how the archangels lived. We were also able to organize a meeting of Russian Germans for the 250th anniversary of the decree of Catherine II and even hold the "Catherine ball" in the stock exchange hall of the Museum."
According to the" Manifests "of Peter I and Catherine II, who promised immigrants religious tolerance and decent living conditions, from the blessed Western lands to the Russian North, to the country of" baptized bears", Church apostates, barbarians and savages (it was believed then in the West) were exported by businessmen and artisans, Ministers of the Church and shipbuilders, sailors and soldiers, healers and armourers, fortifiers and engineers. And Russia made them welcome guests and companions, they opened their doors and hearts has become a second home, where came to him the glory, honor and respect. In the land of their dust still rests. And we, descendants of those archangels who for several centuries made a considerable contribution to development of trade, construction and culture of the Russian North and all Russia, are proud of the ancestors.

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