This article examines how informal connections of A. A. Geraklitov (1867–1933), established during his work in the Saratov Scientific Archival Commission (SSAC, Russian: Саратовская ученая архивная комиссия, СУАК) in 1908–1917, influenced his path in historical science. Based on the materials of personal correspondence, the circle of his closest comrades in the commission is outlined, through which a certain idea is given about the social and intellectual aspects of the SSAC.
