Touching Living History: Radio Kultura Journalist Visits the Zonal State Archive in Molodechno

Ahead of a significant national date—September 17, National Unity Day — Elena Davydova, a journalist from Radio Kultura, visited the Zonal State Archive in the city of Molodechno. The primary goal of the visit was to examine documents of particular value dating back to the era of Western Belarus (1921–1939).

Archivist Maria Mechkovskaya provided a detailed overview, explaining the chronology of those turbulent events and the documents reflecting the plight of Belarusians under Polish rule and policies of oppression. She highlighted materials documenting the mass closure of Belarusian schools and gymnasiums, restrictions on the use of the native language, and police interrogation records of national liberation movement participants. Also discussed were documents regarding land reform, which infringed upon the rights of the local peasantry and transferred land to *osadniks* (Polish military settlers).

During the visit, Elena Davydova also interviewed the archive’s director, Inna Pudakevich. Their conversation covered the institution’s daily operations and large-scale projects aimed at preserving historical memory and objective truth. Special emphasis was placed on youth engagement: the archive actively collaborates with educational institutions, hosting «lessons of memory» and thematic exhibitions that allow the younger generation to connect with living history rather than merely reading about it in textbooks.

Elena Davydova was visibly moved by the visit. She admitted that she thoroughly enjoyed immersing herself in the atmosphere of authentic historical records. She was given a tour of the archive’s «holy of holies»—the repository where original documents are kept, allowing one to literally sense the breath and scent of the past.

Elena Davydova’s report on the difficult chapters of our past will air as part of the «Memory of the Heart» («Pamyats Sertsya») project on September 19 at 10:05 AM on Radio Kultura (102.9 FM). A repeat broadcast will air at 4:00 PM.

Pictured: During the reporting.