Музей истории пенсий, Pension History Museum in Birobidzhan, Russia
The Pension History Museum in Birobidzhan documents over three centuries of Russian pension development through more than 250 artifacts on display. The collection includes pension books, typewriters, calculators, and original documents that span from the era of Peter the Great to modern times.
The institution was established in April 2008 by employees of the Pension Fund Office in the Jewish Autonomous Region. It was created to preserve the history of social support and welfare in this part of Russia.
The museum shows how pensions have shaped the lives of ordinary Russians across different periods and what this support meant to families and communities. The displayed items reveal how people depended on these payments to survive and maintain their dignity.
The museum is open on weekdays and it is best to call ahead to arrange your visit. Free admission is offered, but arriving at a convenient time and making prior contact ensures you can see the full exhibition.
The collection holds the pension book of a World War I veteran decorated with three St. George Crosses, one of the most valued pieces in the museum. Another remarkable item is a widow's pension document printed on newspaper paper, a rare reminder of difficult times.
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