Mining University opened a virtual exhibition commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Victory. Through the showcased exhibits visitors get to learn about scientific achievements brought by the Mining Institute's staff during the siege of Leningrad. There is also information on the evacuation of valuables, equipment, museum collections, as well on the participation of students and teachers in defence of Leningrad. Finally, the exhibition aims to tell about guerilla activities behind enemy lines.
Some of the exhibits acquaint visitors with the invention of the Mining Institute's Professor Alexander Kuznetsov, who invented a brand new explosive substance and provided a unique production technology. As an active ingredient, clay was used, which was easily found in the city and its suburbs. By making use of the new invention, a shortage of mines, grenades and shells in the besieged city was averted. Since there were production facilities organised at the Mining Institute, it became one of the easy targets for German forces who were aiming to destroy it with either air or artillery attacks.
Closer to the middle of the war, all of the Mining Institute's buildings were to some extent damaged. On February 24, 1942, one of the two production facilities was crushed with a direct hit of a landmine. By the end of the war, over three thousand square metres of the University's area were totally destroyed while the rest required extensive repairs.
"Our virtual project "The Mining Institute on the Frontline of the Motherland's Defense" is about the contribution of the Institute's employees and students to the great cause of Victory. It is also about how important it is to preserve, even in the most challenging times, optimism, faith in science and own country," said Elena Kotova, Scientific Director of the Mining Museum.
Visit the exhibition by clicking the link (in Russian)
