Memory Hidden in Documents: Residents of the Zhlobin Territorial Social Services Center Experience the History of Their Native Land

On August 20, 2026, a landmark event dedicated to preserving historical memory was held at the Zhlobin District Territorial Center for Social Services. Staff from the Zhlobin Zonal State Archives led an educational meeting for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Archivists spoke to the audience about the specifics of their work, the structure of archival collections, and the importance of preserving the region’s documentary heritage.

Particular attention was paid to the personal collection of an outstanding local resident, Gennady Gerasimovich Parkhomenko. A young prisoner of the Ozarichi concentration camp, he also served as a teacher, coach, writer, and local historian, enduring harsh trials in life. His resilience, passion for creativity, and ability to live each day to the fullest became an inspiring example of courage for all present. The event concluded with a screening of the documentary «Independence Day: A Chronicle of Belarusian Statehood», created using the unique collections of the Belarusian State Film, Photo, and Sound Archive.

At the end, experts answered questions from those present and offered practical advice on how to properly search for information in archives, the rules for working with historical documents, and where to begin restoring your genealogy and family history.

1. Dear participants of the event

2. Archivist I.N.Eliseeva introduces those present to archival materials

3. During the screening of the film prepared by the Belarusian State Film, Photo, and Sound Archive