Everyday View on Creation of Museums in Peterhof

Abstract

After the fall of the Russian Empire, the former imperial property in Peterhof remained under the jurisdiction of the Peterhof Palace Administration headed by its chief. Later, an authorized commissioner of the Provisional Government was appointed to the Office. The administration was responsible for managing the property of the city and palaces, as well as being in charge of the staff of employees. In everyday practice, its officials often encountered the problems of the time. Cases of thefts, vandalism, and fires had become more frequent. After October 1917, there were no significant changes in the structure and activities of the Peterhof Palace Administration. In January 1918 the Central Executive Committee of employees began to lead the organization. It included representatives from all the corporations of the Peterhof Administration. Everyday issues were dealt with at the meetings of the Executive Committee, such as recruitment, dismissal, property management, the allocation of apartments to employees, the payment of benefits, etc. The Executive Committee was also concerned with issues of transfer and extradition of property to other organizations. So, in the spring of 1918 a significant part of the property of the Peterhof Administration was given to the local Council of Deputies. In addition to the Administration, the Artistic and Historical Commission worked in Peterhof. The result of the work of the artistic and historical commission was its transformation into the staff of the palace-museum. Examining the daily activities of the two organizations operating in the territory of the former imperial residence enables us to present the process of creating the museum.