History Day

Wow!!! I am filled with information today!

We began by having two lectures from a professor of history from Kuban State University about the history of Russia. She focused on the Soviet years to present day. The professor had a great deal of information to share and also asked our opinions of the Soviet period as Americans. I forgot though how hard it is to take notes for three hours. Miss O'Neal needs to go back to school to do a better job of studying!!! :)

After our lectures, we had another fabulous lunch at the university before riding a bus to the Krasnodar Natural History museum. The museum was very impressive. A guide took us through their premier exhibits including regalia from the beginning of Krasnodar's history in the 18th century. A group called the Cossacks settled this area after Catherine the Great gave them the land as a gift for their bravery and loyalty to Russia. The Cossacks named the town Ekaterinodar, Catherine's gift, in recognition of Catherine the Great's gesture. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the town's name was changed to Krasnodar.

We also saw a wonderful exhibit about World War II and Krasnodar's history in the war. There were many artifacts on exhibit to see including ammunition, rifles, military suits, parts of planes, and more. It was very interesting to hear about the battles fought in and near Krasnodar. This area was very important to the Allies eventual victory over Nazi Germany.