Living history: BSU students touched the secrets of the past at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

On June 30, 2026, the National Historical Archive of Belarus opened its doors to future historians.

As part of the republican action «Archives – School», students of the 2nd year of the Faculty of History of BSU, specializing in «History», together with their teacher – associate professor of the Department of Source Studies, candidate of historical sciences, Kuzma Kozak, visited the archivists.

The director of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Mikhail Glushakov, addressed the students with a welcoming speech. He wished future colleagues inspiration, success in studies and bright discoveries on their professional path.

Immersion in the world of the past continued together with the leading researcher of the research, publication and exhibition sector, candidate of historical sciences Olga Volkova. She captivated the audience with a story about the history of the archive, the most significant and interesting documents stored in the National Archives of Belarus, as well as about the main areas of activity of the archive.

The most exciting part of the lesson was practice. Students were able to personally work with exact copies of archival documents of the 19th – early 20th centuries, feel the spirit of the era, decipher ancient handwriting and find the living destinies of people behind dry lines. This experience unleashed real delight in future researchers.

The class turned into a lively discussion: the children actively asked questions, discussed and shared their impressions. Surely, for many of them, this day will become a starting point for writing future term papers and diploma papers.

1-2. Director of the National Institute of Belarus Mikhail Glushakov delivers a welcome speech

3-4. Leading researcher, candidate of historical sciences, Olga Volkova leads the class

5. Visiting the archive