#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

Opening of the Exhibition "And They Saw the Voices..."

October 10, 2024

On October 10, the opening of the exhibition "And They Saw the Voices..." took place in the lobby of the National Museum of History of Moldova, bringing together representatives of the accredited diplomatic corps in Moldova, Jewish organizations, and representatives from other museums and institutions in the country. This event was dedicated to discussions about the tragedies of October 7, 2023, and the vital role of art in the emotional healing process.

The exhibition featured 30 drawings created by children evacuated from Ashkelon, who found solace in art therapy after the bombings on October 7, 2023. These works reflected not only the trauma experienced but also the power of regeneration and the hope found in the creative process.

The ceremony was opened by Irina Șihova, the director of the Jewish History Museum, who emphasized: "This is not a political statement, but a story about trauma, art, and healing."

Additionally, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Zalțman paid tribute to the exhibition, highlighting its importance in promoting community cohesion through art. He noted that in times of hardship and suffering, art becomes a common language that can transcend cultural and religious barriers, bringing people together to share experiences and emotions.

Vladimir Boroda, director of the MAALOT Association, stated: "This exhibition demonstrates how art can unite different perspectives, transforming suffering into beauty."

Throughout the event, the art teacher discussed the importance of art in the healing process, presenting the exhibited works and sharing the stories behind them. Among these were the drawing "Boom" by 10-year-old Aviv Shilo, which conveys a powerful message of hope, and the piece "Dance of Death" by student Filip Beleavschi, exploring themes of death and loss. Another notable work, "The Sounds of Sirens and Rockets," addressed the traumatic effects of conflicts, prompting viewers to reflect on the impact of these experiences.

Each drawing offered a window into the emotional world of these young artists, highlighting the significance of art as a form of expression and healing.

This exhibition became a space for meeting and dialogue, where compassion and empathy were essential, providing a unique opportunity to explore how art can unite communities and support the emotional healing process.

The exhibition is open until October 20, 2024, inviting the public to explore and reflect on the messages conveyed through art.