#Exhibit of the Month

The Chișinău Diocesan Girls' School opened its doors on May 3, 1864, addressing a pressing need: in Bessarabia there were no institutions dedicated to the education of clergy's daughters. According to the 1864 circular, teaching was conducted in the Romanian language, a provision applied throughout the diocese. The school's first headmistress was Anastasia Rizo, of noble origin, invited by Archbishop Antonie.

The curriculum, approved by the Ministry of Public Education and the Chișinău Diocese, combined theoretical subjects with practical training. Students studied religion, reading and writing in Romanian, Slavonic, and Russian, arithmetic and exercises in calculation, world history and geography. The program was complemented by church singing and practical skills such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, as well as household management - baking bread and prosphora, preparing meals and preserves, caring for livestock, and cultivating gardens.

The composite, taken in 1911 at the studio of Z. N. Sumovski in Chișinău, depicts 29 graduates and 13 teachers. At the center are portraits of Bishop Serafim (Ciciagov), headmistress N. R. Mihelson, teacher V. E. Bejerian, and priests F. Ghiliarov and P. Jurikas. Among the teaching staff was Paraskovia Vasilievna Cuciurenko, a calligraphy teacher for 37 years, who in 1911 became senior educator and assistant headmistress. For her dedication, she was awarded the gold medal "For Long Service."

On the reverse of the vignette is a label from the store and workshop of frames, paintings, mirrors, and window glass owned by A. D. Kon'gova, Chișinău, Gogol Street no. 37, near the State Bank.

This graduation composite was donated at the end of 2025 to the National Museum of History of Moldova by the Dadiștian family from Drochia.

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Events Archive

„16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”

November 27, 2024

On November 27, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized an activity dedicated to a major issue: gender-based violence. The audience had the opportunity to watch a series of short films that conveyed powerful messages such as "Be Aware, React, Stop Violence!" The screenings captured the participants' attention and had a profound emotional impact, prompting critical reflections on this social issue.

The event was part of the international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," launched by the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. This global initiative aims to raise public awareness about gender-based violence and encourage active community involvement in its prevention and in supporting victims.

The short films presented offered a comprehensive perspective on the various forms of gender-based violence, reflecting both the personal struggles of victims and the solutions through which such situations can be managed and overcome. Participants deeply appreciated the empathetic, balanced, and educational approach of the materials in addressing the subject.

Through such initiatives, the National Museum of History of Moldova reaffirms its active role in promoting humanitarian values and supporting awareness efforts on current social issues. This activity serves as a compelling example of how cultural institutions can contribute to educating the public and mobilizing the community in the fight against gender-based violence.

#Exhibit of the Month

Vignette of Graduates and Teachers of the Chișinău Diocesan Girls’ School, 1911

„16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”

November 27, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month