Catherine II and Anna Shchetinina: great women at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition

At the National Centre RUSSIA, an exposition dedicated to the landmarks and achievements of all federal districts of our country is on display. On International Women's Day — March 8 — we share the stories of the great women you can discover at the exposition "Journey Across Russia."

Visitors are first welcomed by the exposition of the Far East. Here, you can see the natural beauty and local wildlife, large-scale economic projects, and learn a lot about the history of the Far Eastern lands and famous natives of the Far East. Among them is the first female captain of long-distance sailing, Anna Shchetinina. She made her first voyage at the age of just 27 when she steered the cargo steamer "Chavycha" from Hamburg to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. For over two years, she then navigated this steamer across the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.

From the start of her career, Anna Shchetinina was known for her iron will and firm character. The crew obeyed her unconditionally, and perfect order always prevailed on her ship. In February 1936, she managed to save the steamer "Chavycha" after a collision with icebergs. Later, she became the first head of the Vladivostok Fishery Port, organizing its work literally from scratch. However, her main achievements came during the years of the Great Patriotic War, when Shchetinina evacuated the population of Tallinn under bombardments and transported strategic cargoes. In 1978, Anna Shchetinina was awarded the title Hero of Socialist Labor.

In the exposition of the Southern Federal District, you can learn about a woman who is rightly considered one of the key figures in Russian history. This is about Empress Catherine the Great. It was during her reign in 1783 that Crimea, Taman, and Kuban became part of the Russian Empire: on April 19, the empress signed the Highest Manifesto incorporating new territories into the country.

In addition, Catherine II carried out a number of successful administrative, financial, and educational reforms. Under her rule, a network of primary and secondary schools appeared in the Russian Empire, hospitals, hospices, and shelters opened in cities, and a system of medical care began to form. Additionally, a banking system was created, both coins and banknotes appeared in circulation, state treasury revenues quadrupled, and the number of factories and manufactories significantly increased.

Entry to the exposition "Journey Across Russia" is free as part of tour groups, which are formed by prior registration on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section.