Konstantin Ivanov

Konstantin Ivanov

Local historian, historian, museum worker
Date of Birth: 07.05.1906

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Community Involvement and Museum Career
  3. Training and Directorial Responsibilities
  4. Historical Promotion and Writing
  5. Critical Reception and Legacy

Constantine Ivanovich Ivanov: A Prolific Historian and Museum Director

Early Life and Education

Constantine Ivanovich Ivanov was born into a family of factory workers in Pereslavl-Zalessky, Russia. In 1918, he completed his studies at a four-grade factory school and enrolled in a higher-level school. However, his father prioritized his education and sent him to work at the "Krasnoye Ekho" factory as an apprentice locksmith at the age of 13. In 1923, he graduated from the factory's vocational school and worked as a machine lubricator and later as a foreman in the water department.

Community Involvement and Museum Career

Ivanov possessed exceptional organizational skills and a passion for public service. He became the secretary of the factory's Komsomol cell and organized the factory's wall newspaper. In 1929, he was appointed as a scientific and technical assistant in the Pereslavl Museum of Local Lore due to his reputation as an exemplary worker and his membership in the Communist Party. Within a year, he rose to the position of director.

Training and Directorial Responsibilities

Ivanov received professional training by attending museum courses in Ivanovo-Voznesensk and Moscow. Under his leadership, the museum initiated systematic restoration work on numerous architectural monuments in the Pereslavl region. He organized expeditions throughout the city and district, significantly expanding the museum's collection with ethnographic objects, folk art, contemporary paintings, and sculptures.

Historical Promotion and Writing

Ivanov was renowned for his enthusiastic promotion of Pereslavl's history. He authored several books and numerous articles, often collaborating with fellow local historian S. D. Vasilyev. In 1960, they co-wrote the screenplay for the documentary film "Pereslavl-Zalessky." Ivanov's writings in local newspapers augmented his meager salary.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Ivanov's scholarship has been subject to criticism for oversimplification, factual inaccuracies, and ideological bias. His writings have been noted for historical errors and selective presentation of facts. However, his legacy remains significant as a pioneer in the promotion of Pereslavl's history and as the long-serving director of the local museum. Ivanov died on February 25, 1970, and his grave in the city's old cemetery has been lost.

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