#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 Photography Exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance"

February 28, 2025

On February 28, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the photography exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance", an event organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova.

Curated by the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, the exhibition brings to the forefront deeply moving stories of children who returned home from deportation, as well as civilians and prisoners of war who were held captive by the Russian Federation.

Marking three years since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the event gathered high-ranking officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Ukrainian community in Moldova, journalists, and students. Among the distinguished guests was the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, Paun Rohova, who emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of these tragic yet defining stories.

During the event, the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people:

"This exhibition is a powerful testimony that human resistance is stronger than any oppression. It stands as proof of the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. For three years, these individuals have faced unimaginable hardships, yet their courage and determination have never wavered. The European Union stands with Ukraine because this is not just their fight - it is a fight for freedom, justice, and the values we all share."

Dmitri Lekartev, President of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova, spoke about the solidarity shown by the Moldovan people during these difficult times:

"We have demonstrated an unprecedented level of solidarity, opening our hearts and homes to those seeking refuge, showing the world that humanity knows no borders. This support has not gone unnoticed - in October last year, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova were honored with the prestigious Nansen Award, granted by UNHCR. The world has seen that our country, though small on the map, has a great heart, full of kindness and compassion. Now, in the third year of war, Ukrainians continue to feel our support, which gives them the strength to move forward."

The exhibition will be open to the public until March 28, 2025, on the fence of the National Museum of History, Chișinău, 121A, 31 August 1989 Street.