Between repatriation and in situ preservation: the sustainability of memory communities of the Russian diaspora

Abstract

This article examines the fate of archival and museum complexes in the Russian diaspora: should such collections be returned to Russia or preserved where they originated? In the Russian diaspora, they serve more than just the storage of documents, books, and objects. Over time, a special environment develops around them, fostering communication, the transmission of family materials, and the preservation of memory between generations. Using four collections as examples, the article examines what happens to this environment after the collections are removed and the benefits of preserving them in situ. The removal of a collection affects more than just the museum and archival materials. If a community loses its traditional venue for meeting, sharing documents, and socializing, its connection to the past gradually weakens, which can accelerate assimilation. Conversely, preserving a collection in its original environment can sometimes help preserve cultural ties within the community and the transmission of memory between generations.