A. F. Leopoldov

The article deals with the question of how the accumulation of information about the leaders of Saratov, who served here since the founding of the city and up to the beginning of the XVIII century. It is shown how this process is connected with the publication of various documentary sources during the XIX – early XX centuries, with the publication of genealogical collections and biographical dictionaries, as well as with the creation of the Saratov Academic Archival Commission. The names of the researchers who dealt with this issue are given.

The historical study of Russian regions in the 1810s – 1850s was connected with the general development of the historiographic process. Conceptual shift of philosophy concerning social life of society resulted in increased interest in local history. Early studies of Saratov Volga region’s history were assisted by the provincial administration and the episcopal cathedra.

The issue of the Saratov Volga region settlement by the peasantry was covered in the first works on local history. The beginning of its special study was associated with the need to clarify the reasons for the tense social situation that had developed in the region by the middle of the 19th century. A. N. Minh’s monograph was the first attempt at a purposeful search and consolidation of evidence on peasant colonization. It opens a series of papers devoted to this problem and published by members of the Saratov Scientific Archive Commission.