Press releases

MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) – The BelTA News Agency and the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History have announced a joint project, Partisan Chronicles, timed to the 75th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders.

The road to liberation was long and hard: village after village, town after town was freed from the Nazis. The first Belarusian district capital to welcome liberators was Komarin. The Red Army entered the town on 23 September 1943. This date is the starting point for the project that will recount life and struggle in the enemy rear in 1941-1944.

The project is based on a unique collection of handwritten partisan journals kept at the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History. The collection was assigned the status of historical and cultural value of international importance (Class 1). Every week we will discuss these chronicles and publish their digitalized versions. Each of them sheds light on various aspects of partisans’ life, gives a glimpse at thoughts and feelings of people who risked their lives to fight a battle behind enemy lines.

Handwritten, typewritten, written on Whatman drawing paper, wrapping paper or wallpaper, on student exercise books or office books, these journals chronicled the details of partisan struggle. Apart from figures and facts, they contain reminiscences, biographical sketches and stories told by partisans themselves. There is also a place for original and authentic illustrations and humor that astonish with their wisdom and fantasy.