#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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The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

On September 7-8, 2024, the National History Museum of Moldova hosted the second edition of the Author's Wine Festival, a now traditional event that brings together small local wine producers and wine enthusiasts. Organized by the Association of Small Wine Producers of Moldova, with support from USAID Moldova through the Competitiveness and Rural Resilience Project, the National Office of Vine and Wine, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, the festival provided visitors with an authentic and diverse experience where wine culture met historical tradition.

In the museum's courtyard, 36 Moldovan wineries showcased their finest wines, from local varieties like Feteasca Neagră and Rara Neagră to Moldovan interpretations of international wines. The event offered the public a unique opportunity to discover the stories and traditions behind each bottle, with each tasting providing an insight into the local winemaking art.

The National History Museum of Moldova contributed to the festival's atmosphere with a special exhibition dedicated to the history of winemaking and viticulture traditions. One of the standout exhibits was the imprint of a grapevine leaf discovered in the Cucuteni site of Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece" in 1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici. This relic illustrates the ancient and continuous winemaking traditions in our region, connecting the festival to a millennia-old cultural heritage.

Present at the event, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mr. Andrian Digolean, remarked: "The Festival of Author Wines reflects the richness and diversity of winemaking in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the small producers who passionately contribute to promoting our winemaking traditions. It is an excellent opportunity to support the wine sector and emphasize the importance of Moldovan wine in international markets."

Throughout the two-day event, visitors participated in guided tastings led by renowned sommeliers, masterclasses, Wine Talks sessions, and enjoyed live concerts by Cristina Scarlat Band, Mahaya Band, and DJ Wade. The festive atmosphere was complemented by cultural and recreational activities, attracting over 4,500 participants from both Moldova and Romania.

A highlight of the festival was the visit of President Maia Sandu, who honored the event with her presence and emphasized the importance of supporting small wine producers, a vital sector for the country's economy and culture. The President appreciated the diversity of wines presented and the organizers' efforts to create a platform to promote local values.

This festival was not only a celebration of quality wine but also an opportunity to honor Moldova's winemaking traditions, deeply rooted in history and an integral part of our cultural identity.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month