They walked on the ceiling and danced in a circle around a 400-year-old oak tree. A trip to the Dukorsky Manor Museum Complex for employees of the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus
Over 50 members of the primary trade union organization of the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus attended a trade union tour of the Dukorsky Manor Museum Complex on Sunday, May 31, 2026. A variety of engaging activities were organized for them: a theatrical meeting and costume program, a tour of the town’s history and a sightseeing tour of the tourist and museum complex, a visit to an upside-down house and craft workshops, a tour of the zoo and a collection of vintage cars, and active recreation.
The agro-town of Dukora today is a place where history and modernity come together. For example, during the tour, the trade union members learned that the town itself has a centuries-old history – it was first mentioned in documents in 1581. At that time, these lands belonged to a nobleman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Zemstvo Marshal Mikołaj Kezgajla. Dukora was then owned by members of many noble families, such as the Zawiszas, Szemetos, and Oginskis (the famous Michal Kleofas Oginski, composer of the polonaise «Farewell to the Homeland»). Stanisław Moniuszko may also have owned Dukora. True, not the famous composer himself, but his grandfather. However, he drew lots for neighboring Smilovichi, and Dukora went to his friend Franciszek Osztorp.
It was the Osztorps who made it their residence – in the early 19th century, the palace was completed, a park was laid out, and a ceremonial gate was built. After the October Revolution, the estate began a gradual decline. The palace was destroyed by an explosion in June 1944. The restoration of the Dukorsky Manor Palace and Park Complex only began in 2015. But a 400-year-old oak tree, a reminder of the estate’s entire history, remains within the park.
The most recent attraction was a visit to the upside-down house, where archivists literally walked on the ceiling.
All participants in the trade union excursion were in a good mood and took many souvenir photos.
 |
| 1. At the gate of the Dukorsky Manor |
 |
| 2. Theatrical meeting of the excursion participants |
 |
| 3. Noble performance |
 |
| 4. In the Manor Museum |
 |
| 5. Javelin throwing in the throwing range |
 |
| 6. Inside the upside-down house |
 |
| 7. At the 400-year-old oak tree |