Arkady Gaidar is a renowned writer of children`s literature from the era of the 1917 Revolution and the Civil War. His books were read by all the children of the Soviet Union, and the characters from his stories served as role models for boys in every courtyard across the country. The Arkady Gaidar Literary Museum was opened in Arzamas, as he lived there from 1912 to 1918.
Gaidar`s real surname was Golikov. "Gaidar" is a pseudonym he adopted when he began his literary career. Arkady Golikov was born in 1904 in the town of Lgov, Kursk Province. His father, Peter Golikov, was a teacher at a public school. The writer`s mother, Natalya Salkova, came from an impoverished noble family. She assisted her husband in teaching French and substituted for him at school when he was away. In 1912, Natalya completed midwifery courses and was offered a job in Arzamas. Her husband requested a transfer to one of the schools in Arzamas, and the family moved to the city.
Arzamas holds a special place in Gaidar`s biography. It was here that he spent his childhood and teenage years, forming his early outlook on life, which later found reflection in his works. The city became a source of inspiration for the writer, and many events and characters in his books are directly connected to the realities of Arzamas.
Later, in his story "School", Arkady Gaidar recalled Arzamas with affection: "Our little town of Arzamas was quiet, filled with gardens enclosed by old, rickety fences. In those gardens grew an abundance of `parental cherries,` early-ripening apples, blackthorns, and red peonies."
The Arkady Gaidar Literary Museum, located in the city of Arzamas in the Nizhny Novgorod region, is one of the significant cultural centers dedicated to the life and work of the famous Soviet writer. The museum was opened in 1967. The building of the Literary Museum was constructed next to Gaidar`s house, where he lived with his family. This house has been preserved and now houses the Arkady Gaidar House-Museum.
One of the museum`s exhibitions is dedicated to the events of the Civil War. In 1918, at the age of 14, Arkady Golikov joined the Red Army, concealing his age. He actively participated in the Civil War, served as a detachment commander, and fought on various fronts. By the age of 17, he was already commanding a regiment. However, injuries and shell shock forced him to leave military service. In 1924, he was discharged due to health reasons.
After his military service, Arkady Gaidar turned to journalism and began writing short stories. His early works were devoted to military themes, but it was his books for children and teenagers that brought him true fame. In his works, he celebrated the ideals of friendship, honesty, justice, and patriotism.
Among Gaidar`s most famous works are:
- "Chuk and Gek" (1939) — a story about the adventures of two brothers.
- "Timur and His Team" (1940) — a novella that initiated the Timur movement in the USSR.
- "The Drummer`s Fate" (1938) — a story about a boy facing the challenges of growing up.
- "The Blue Cup" (1936) — a lyrical tale about family values.
Arkady Gaidar was married three times. His first wife was Maria Plaksina, with whom he had a son named Timur. His second wife was Leah Lazarevna Solomyanskaya, who also bore him a son, Arkady. His third marriage to Dora Matveyevna Chernysheva was short-lived.
At the start of the WWII, Gaidar went to the front as a war correspondent. He wrote essays and stories, inspiring soldiers and readers alike. On October 26, 1941, Arkady Gaidar was killed in action near the village of Leplyava in Ukraine. According to one version, he was shot by German soldiers while warning his comrades of an ambush.
The museum`s exhibition introduces visitors to the life and work of Arkady Gaidar. The halls display the writer`s personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs, books, and materials related to his participation in the Civil War and his journalism career. Special attention is given to Gaidar`s works, which have become classics of children`s literature: "Timur and His Team," "Chuk and Gek," "The Blue Cup," and others.
The museum not only preserves the memory of the writer but also actively engages in educational activities. It hosts literary evenings, meetings with writers, exhibitions, and interactive programs for children and teenagers. The museum strives to preserve Gaidar`s legacy, passing on his ideals of kindness, justice, and mutual aid to new generations.
