The Minay Shmyrev Museum in Vitebsk is dedicated to one of the most famous partisan commanders of the Great Patriotic War. Minay Shmyrev, known as "Farther Minay," became a symbol of resistance, and his detachment played a key role in the fight against the Germans on the territory of Belarus. The museum, located in the Park of Partisan Glory, tells the story of Shmyrev`s life, his military operations, and his contribution to the liberation of Vitebsk and all of Belarus.
The museum was opened in 1974, the year the Park of Partisan Glory was established. Its creation was a tribute not only to Minay Shmyrev but also to all the partisans who fought behind enemy lines. The museum`s exhibition is constantly updated with new artifacts, documents, and photographs, making it one of the most comprehensive collections dedicated to the partisan movement in Belarus.
The Minay Shmyrev Museum consists of several halls, each dedicated to a specific stage in the life and activities of the legendary commander. The exhibition is designed so that visitors can not only learn about the events of the war but also feel the atmosphere of that time.
1. Hall of Minay Shmyrev`s Childhood and Youth – This hall tells the story of Minay Shmyrev`s early years. It features photographs of his family, documents related to his education, and personal belongings. The exhibition helps to understand how the character of the future commander was shaped.
2. Hall of the Partisan Movement – This hall is dedicated to the beginning of the Great Patriotic War and the creation of the "Farther Minay" partisan detachment. It displays maps of military operations, weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts related to the partisan struggle. The exhibition tells the story of the first sabotage missions, the organization of the detachment, and the challenges faced by the partisans in the early days of the war. In the center of the hall, there is a diorama depicting a partisan camp in the forest, allowing visitors to imagine how the fighters lived and fought.
3. Hall of Military Operations – This hall provides a detailed overview of the key operations carried out by Minay Shmyrev`s detachment. It features diagrams of attacks on enemy garrisons, the destruction of railway tracks, and other sabotage missions. Special attention is given to the liberation of Vitebsk and the role of the partisans in this process. The walls of the hall are adorned with photographs of the detachment`s fighters, their personal belongings, and awards.
4. Hall of Memory and Sorrow – This hall is dedicated to those who died in the struggle for the freedom of Belarus. It displays lists of fallen partisans, their photographs, and letters from the front. In the center of the hall, a symbolic eternal flame burns as a reminder of the victims of the war. The exhibition also tells the story of the tragedy of Shmyrev`s family: his children were executed by the Nazis, which became a personal tragedy for the commander.
5. Hall of Minay Shmyrev`s Post-War Life – This hall showcases materials related to Minay Shmyrev`s life after the war. Here, visitors can see his awards, documents, photographs with veterans and public figures. The exhibition tells the story of how Shmyrev contributed to the post-war reconstruction of Belarus and the education of young people. Special attention is given to his role in preserving the memory of the partisan movement. The hall also displays books written by Shmyrev.
6. Interactive Hall – In this hall, visitors can see reconstructions of partisan dugouts and listen to recordings of veterans` recollections. Multimedia materials, such as films, chronicles, and interactive maps, are also presented here, helping visitors better understand the scale of the partisan movement.
The Minay Shmyrev Museum is not only a place of remembrance but also an important educational center. Excursions are held here for schoolchildren and anyone interested in the history of the Great Patriotic War.
