Russian History Museum

Holy Trinity Monastery is home to several Russian Orthodox institutions: it is a monastery with several churches, it also is the location of a seminary, and contains a peaceful cemetery. The fourth institution is a small and precious museum. The museum has religious, artistic and historical treasures assembled by the Russian diaspora escaping the Russian Revolution. It has changing exhibitions. A previous exhibition focused on the books of the collection. The current exhibition presents the last days of the Royal Romanov family in captivity prior to the brutal assassination in 1918. It sets the reign of Nicholas II in historical context with beautiful lavish exhibits of objects associated with his enthronement and reign, and ends with poignant historical artifacts related to the family's final months. Several objects relate to the investigation into the deaths by the White Russian Army. Other objects have been used in recent scientific tests to validate that the remains found in Russia are truly those of the family. The presentation is objective, historical and extremely accessible. It was a very worthwhile visit.

A personable place with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a real treasure trove of Russian history one would never expect to find in upstate New York

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the museum for the third time. I was compelled to return due to the thought-provoking exhibit currently on display, “The Last Days of the Last Tsar.”nnNot only does the exhibit impress with the variety of pieces within the collection (clothing belonging to the royal family, many Romanoff-owned Faberge works, moving hand-written notes from the royal family) but with the accessibility of the narrative relayed from one window in the exhibit to the next.nnOne enters the exhibit and is initially greeted by windows that display artifacts from the time of the coronation of Nicholas II, followed by some images of the extended Romanoff family. Then, tbe viewer is led through history, watching the progression of World War One, Nicholas’ abdication, and ultimately the exile and brutal murders of the Royal family.nnThe exhibit does not revel in the gruesome facts, it presents them in a way that the viewer cannot help but appreciate the stark contrast between the rich beginning of Nicholas’ reign, and the brutal conditions of the last days of the royal family. Particularly moving is the window that displays the faces of the Royal family and their attendants next to the photograph of the wall where the were shot and bayoneted to death. The exhibit includes so many notes and objects belonging to the family that it is impossible not to feel personally connected to them when “reliving” the last days of their lives.nnAdditional perks? The exhibit is all in English, meaning that all of the thoughtful notes accompanying the window displays are readily available to the average viewer. Also, if you’re able to get out there to take a look at the exhibit, pay attention to where all of the objects have come from! These locations provide a small snapshot into the varied stories of the Russian emigres. This is the first time, that many of these objects have ever been on display, let alone together!nnSO, if you’re in upstate New York (until May!) head over the beautiful Holy Trinity Monastery with its shiny gold domes, take a walk through the grounds, and DEFINITELY don’t miss out on one of the most important exhibits on Russian history on this side of the Atlantic. Whether you’re of Russian descent or not, this exhibit is a must.