П. И. Усачев — руководитель Астраханского архива в 30-е–40-е гг. XX в.: новые биографические материалы

Introduction. The article presents some results of historical and biographical insights into collections of the State Archive of Astrakhan Oblast dealing with the life and work of P. I. Usachev, Astrakhan public figure, journalist, archivist, and museum professional. Materials and methods. The work employs the historical and biographical method, which involves biographical analysis to explore the activities of the historical figure, to further personalize the study of historical phenomena, and to identify and document historical patterns. The paper focuses on documents related to the life and work of P. I. Usachev contained in collections of the State Archive of Astrakhan Oblast. Results. Biographical materials related to the life of P. I. Usachev and reflecting key stages of his life, professional, and creative work in the 1920s–1940s have been investigated and introduced into scholarly circulation. The identified autobiographies of P. I. Usachev’s life shall be significantly supplemented with data on his sociopolitical activities, personal life, and local history research. Conclusions. The autobiographical materials of P. I. Usachev discovered in collections of the State Archive of Astrakhan Oblast represent a valuable source for understanding the fate of the Soviet intelligentsia during the latter’s formation period, demonstrating general historical patterns. These documents are not being introduced into scholarly circulation by chance: the life and work of P. I. Usachev continue to attract the attention of researchers dealing with the history of the Lower Volga Region from the 1920s to 1940s, since he made a significant contribution to the development of regional studies, restoration of archival records, and creation of important museum exhibits.