Russian History Museum

08/11/2026

A couple of candid shots show Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, youngest daughter of Alexander III, enjoying a picnic with officers of the Akhtyr Hussar Regiment. Olga was the "chef" (honorary commander) of the regiment. Note the presence of the samovar, an indispensable accessory of Russian teatime.

The photos probably dates to the summer of 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War. Did these people have any inkling of what lay in store for them and their country?

07/16/2026

Looking back on "Last Days of the Last Tsar" (2018–2019), one of the Russian History Museum’s landmark exhibitions.

Marking the centenary of the murder of Emperor Nicholas II and his family, the exhibition brought together remarkable artifacts, photographs, and documents from the museum’s collections, along with loans from institutions and private collections across the country.

Among the highlights were objects collected by investigator Nikolai Sokolov during his 1918–1919 investigation of the Romanovs’ murder, many displayed together for the first time in over a century.

Did you visit the exhibition? Tell us what you remember most!

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

While exploring photos of the Russian émigré community celebrating the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 at the "Rodina" Cultural Center in Howell, New Jersey, we spotted a striking hand-painted logo on the wall.

Inspired by the original, we recreated the design in color, using the red and blue that were likely part of its original appearance.

What do you think of the design? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

06/10/2026

This Saturday, June 13 (1 PM), join us for an online talk exploring how 17th-century Russia’s surprisingly sophisticated judicial system operated in practice, and why Russia was not, in fact, a despotism.

Register below!

Crime and Punishment in Early Modern Russia An online lecture with Dr. Nancy Kollmann Was there despotism in early modern Russia? In her lecture, Nancy Kollmann will explore the practice of criminal law in 17th-century Russia. She will discuss how, although Russia was an autocracy, it

06/02/2026

Could you imagine oysters at the Russian imperial table?

A shell-shaped porcelain dish from Alexander III’s coronation service led us into the story of oyster culture in the Russian Empire - from imported luxuries to Crimean oyster farms.

Read the full article on our website: https://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/2026/01/16/oysters-in-the-russian-empire/

05/27/2026

Today beautiful Saint Petersburg, the former capital of the Russian Empire, celebrates its 323rd “birthday” 🎊

Enjoy the images from the album in our collection depicting Petersburg’s landmarks in the early 19th century.

And read the full article with five stories about Petersburg’s iconic spots. Some of them remain largely unchanged since the 19th century, while others have undergone significant metamorphoses or have even been demolished!

https://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/2024/01/08/historic-landmarks-saint-petersburg/ #

05/20/2026

How did Emperor Alexander I and his diplomats rethink European security in a time of major political change? Our new lecture by Dr. Elise Wirtschafter explores Russian diplomacy after the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Watch now and share with friends!

How did Emperor Alexander I and his diplomats rethink European security in a time of major political change? The lecture explores Russian diplomacy after the...

05/13/2026

📢 We’re Hiring: Public Engagement & Education Manager

Looking for a museum job? Passionate about education?

The Russian History Museum is hiring a full-time Public Engagement & Education Manager.

This museum job is a great opportunity for candidates interested in education, public history, and community engagement centered on Russian history and culture.

Are you - or someone you know - a great fit?

Read the full job description and apply here: https://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/careers/public-engagement-education-manager/

05/13/2026

📣 We’re Hiring: Curator of Collections

Looking for a museum job?

The Russian History Museum is seeking a full-time Curator of Collections. This career opportunity is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in Russian history, museum collections, archival research, curatorial work, and Slavic studies.

Join a growing institution dedicated to exhibitions, collections stewardship, and the preservation of Russian and émigré history.

Are you - or someone you know - a great fit?

Read the full job description and apply here: https://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/careers/curator-of-collections/https://www.russianhistorymuseum.org/careers/curator-of-collections/

05/06/2026

Join us this Saturday, May 9, for a talk exploring Russian diplomacy in the aftermath of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. We will learn how Emperor Alexander I and his diplomatic agents understood European security.

Register below!

When Russia Led Europe: Security and Diplomacy after Napoleon An online lecture with Dr. Elise Wirtschafter This lecture is based on Elise Wirtschafter’s recent book devoted to the conceptual history of Russian diplomacy in the aftermath of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The book de...