The Dukhobortsy, 1822-1828  

Daniel Schlatter was a Swiss missionary who lived among the Nogay Tatars on the Molochnaya River between 1822-1828.  During that time, he had opportunity to study and observe their neighbors, the Dukhobortsy.  Available for the first time in English, the following account outlines his impressions of Doukhobor society and faith in this little-known period.

Dukhobor Village of Gorelovka

This Flickr photo set by Georgian documentary photographer Sandro Shanidze contains 24 images of daily life in the Doukhobor village of Gorelovka in Georgia taken in 2008.  Gorelovka is widely considered the spiritual center of Doukhobors throughout the world. Note: Flickr is an online photo management and sharing application.

The Doukhobors of Georgia

This Flickr photo set by French documentary photographer Agnes Montanari contains 22 images of the daily life of Doukhobors in Georgia taken in 2007.  Flickr is an online photo management and sharing application. Share photos and videos with the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog photos and videos.

Memories of Veregin, Saskatchewan, 1920-1923

Herbert and Margaret Fletcher were English teachers who taught in a rural one-room school at Veregin, Saskatchewan for three years from 1920 to 1923.  While in Veregin, they took numerous photographs of the village, its architecture, Doukhobor inhabitants and the surrounding landscape.  This exhibition contains rare historic photographs taken by them.

Schools of the Boundary: The Doukhobor Schools

The settlement of Doukhobors in the Grand Forks area in 1909 brought about unique, often complex challenges to public education in British Columbia's Boundary District.  The following article by Alice Glanville reveals the history and the people behind the one-room Doukhobor schools of the region, including Outlook, Spencer, Fruitova, Carson and Kettle River North.

Tolstoy and Christian Pacifism

Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest of Russia's literary giants, is respected as a founder of the modern peace movement. He also deserves recognition as one of humanity's great moral and spiritual leaders. The following article by Ross Wilcock for Peace Magazine recalls the pacifist foundations of his faith.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 10 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Bokov, Butsky, Mamonov, Menyakin, Orekhov, Kunavin, Levadny, Rikitin, Suvorin and Utkin. Learn about their roots, meanings and historic and geographic origins.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 17 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Chugunov, Inyukin, Isaev, Kadatsky, Kirilov, Kopylov, Lavov, Potryasov, Razumov, Sofonov, Sofronov, Skorodumov, Vakulin, Voronkov, Zakurdaev, Zotov and Zubarov.

Exile of the Dukhobortsy, 1843  

In 1843, Moritz Wagner, a German explorer and geographer, met a group of exiled Dukhobortsy en route from the Molochnaya to the Caucasus. Earlier that year, he visited the Dukhobortsy already settled in Caucasia. He wrote a vivid and detailed eyewitness account of the Doukhobor exile, the circumstances for their expulsion and the conditions in which they were settled.

Doukhobors in the Grand Forks, BC Telephone Directory, 1960  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1960 telephone directory for Grand Forks, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 318 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Castlegar, BC Telephone Directory, 1960  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1960 telephone directory for Castlegar, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 219 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Historical Map - Post-Soviet Doukhobor Migration to Russia, 1989-2009

Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, groups of Doukhobors resettled to Russia. Driven by regional instability, ethnic tensions, economic hardship and a longing for the Motherland, Doukhobors from Georgia and Azerbaijan resettled to Tula in 1989-1991, Stavropol, Krasnodar, Rostov and the Crimea from 1991-1998, Bryansk in 1998-1999 and Tambov in 2007-2009. 

Skovoroda in Early Doukhobor History - Fact or Myth?  

Hryhory Skovoroda was an 18th century poet, philosopher and composer. He spent much of his life wandering Russia, teaching a simple philosophy of self-knowledge through direct relationship with God. His ideas closely resembled Doukhobor beliefs, which emerged in the same time and places as Skovoroda taught. Did he have a role in early Doukhobor history? 

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Berekoff Road (Appledale, BC); Bojey Road, Harasomow Road, Jmaeff Road, Perrys Cemetery Road (Perry Siding, BC); Claybrick Road, Filipoff Road, Hoodikoff Road, Katasonoff Road, Kazakoff Road (Winlaw, BC). More Doukhobor street entries to follow soon!

The Hospitality of the Dukhobortsy, 1816  

Henry Downing Whittington was a young English adventurer who toured South Russia in 1816.  During his travels, he visited the Doukhobor village of Terpeniye along the Molochnaya River in Tavria, Russia. His narrative of this encounter, while brief, provides the earliest published Western account of the deep-rooted Doukhobor ethic of hospitality, kindness and generosity.

Doukhobors in the Castlegar, BC Telephone Directory, 1950  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1950 telephone directory for Castlegar, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 15 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Trail, BC Telephone Directory, 1950  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1950 telephone directory for Trail, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 10 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Rossland, BC Telephone Directory, 1950  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1950 telephone directory for Rossland, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 8 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Travels Among the Molochnaya Dukhobortsy, 1839-1841  

Xavier Hommaire de Hell, a French explorer and geologist, together with his wife Adele, visited the Dukhobortsy living on the Molochnaya River in 1839. Two years later, in 1841, they met a group of exiled Dukhobortsy en route from the Molochnaya to the Caucasus. Their account of these meetings provides rare, unique historic insights into this chapter of Doukhobor history.

Update - Russian Male Names Among the Doukhobors  

By popular demand, this glossary has been updated to include a guide to the phonetic pronunciations of 292 Russian male names historically used by Doukhobor men in 19th century Russia and 20th century Canada. Learn the proper Russian stress and pronunciation of your Doukhobor male ancestral names!

Update - Russian Female Names Among the Doukhobors  

By popular demand, this glossary has been updated to include a guide to the phonetic pronunciations of 86 Russian female names historically used by Doukhobor women in 19th century Russia and 20th century Canada. Learn the proper Russian stress and pronunciation of your Doukhobor female ancestral names!

Travels to the Dukhobortsy Living on the Molochnaya River, 1818  

Ebenezer Henderson was a missionary of the British and Foreign Bible Society working in Russia during the reign of Tsar Alexander I. In 1818, he visited the Dukhobortsy living on the Molochnaya River. He kept a journal and recorded his impressions, which is one of the earliest Western accounts of the Molochnaya Doukhobors and provides rare historic insights. 

Russian Male Names Among the Doukhobors  

This glossary contains 292 Russian male names historically used by Doukhobor men in 19th century Russia and 20th century Canada. Each entry includes the transliterated English spelling, original Cyrillic spelling, name meaning, male and female patronymic, along with common diminutive forms of each name. Learn about your Russian male ancestral names! 

Doukhobors in the Nelson, BC Telephone Directory, 1950  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1950 telephone directory for Nelson, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 28 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Grand Forks, BC Telephone Directory, 1950  

The following index by Greg Nesteroff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1950 telephone directory for Grand Forks, British Columbia. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 11 Doukhobor households and businesses. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Russian Female Names Among the Doukhobors  

This glossary contains 86 Russian female names historically used by Doukhobor women in 19th century Russia and 20th century Canada. Each entry includes the transliterated English spelling, original Cyrillic spelling, name meaning, along with many common diminutive forms of each name. Learn about all aspects of the names of your Russian female ancestors! 

Update - Doukhobor Ancestral Village Finder  

The Doukhobor Ancestral Village Finder has been updated to include references to Cyprus and/or Georgian exile (Dusheti, Tioneti, Gori and Signakhi districts) for Tiflis Doukhobor villages. Use this geographic finding aid to cross-reference the Canadian village your Doukhobor ancestors settled in in 1899, with the Russian village from which they originated prior to 1899.

Update - The Doukhobors: A Community Race in Canada

This exposition of Doukhobor life by writer Victoria Hayward and photographer Edith Watson has been updated to include two rare historic Watson photos from the private collection of Nellie Voykin. Taken in Brilliant, British Columbia  in 1919, one is of Nellie and her mother Polly Kanigan; the other is of Nellie's grandmother Masha Kanigan at her spinning wheel.

The Story of Saskatchewan and its People: The Doukhobors  

The following excerpt from legislative librarian John Hawkes' impressive 1924 three-volume history, “Saskatchewan and its People” relates his personal observations and reminiscences of the Doukhobors of Saskatchewan.  He was one of the first historians to portray the Doukhobor story as part of the broader history and tradition of the province and its people.

Doukhobors in the Blaine Lake, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 141 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Langham, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Langham, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 53 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

The Doukhobor Monuments of Efremovka and Rodionovka

In 1845, the Doukhobors of Efremovka and Rodionovka villages in Tavria province, Russia were exiled for their faith to the Caucasus region. Upon their departure, they erected stone monuments in their villages to commemorate this momentous event. Learn more about these ancient memorials and their significance to the archaeology of the Molochnaya Doukhobors.

The Doukhobors: A Community Race in Canada

Between 1918-1921, writer Victoria Hayward and photographer Edith Watson spent three summers in the Doukhobor communes in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, sharing the Doukhobor way of life and recording their experience through written word and photograph. This 1922 article recounts their observations about Doukhobor communal living and organization.

Passing on the Tradition

Nick J. Denisoff is master Doukhobor craftsman of wood and wood-working, particularly the carving of ornate wooden spoons, ladles, forks and salt servers. Having learned from his grandparents at age twelve, Denisoff wants to keep these cultures and traditions alive and is hosting a Doukhobor woodworking workshop on October 24, 2009 in Glade, British Columbia.

Doukhobor Farms Supply All Needs

In 1918, photographer Edith Watson and writer Victoria Hayward, after lengthy correspondence with Peter 'Lordly' Verigin, received permission to visit the Doukhobors in their communes in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The women spent the next three summers with them, sharing the Doukhobor way of life and recording that life through written word and photograph.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Barabanoff Road (Taghum, BC); Co-op Lane (Brilliant, BC); Koorbatoff Road (Shoreacres, BC); Gritchen Road, Jmayoff Road, Latkin Road, Siminoff Road (Grand Forks, BC); Perepolkin Road (Hills, BC); Doukhobor Waterline Trail, Museum Road (Ootischenia, BC). More entries to follow soon!

Press Release: Doukhobor Historical Series  

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff and Anne Sanderson have been awarded the Best Saskatchewan Cultural Story of the Year for his documentary series Their Story, published in the Wadena News, which chronicles the history of the Kylemore Doukhobor Colony, at the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Competition Premier Awards for 2009.

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition) by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff and Steve Lapshinoff.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: John Evdokimoff Park, (White Lake, BC); Doukhobor Beach (Grand Forks, BC); Nelson, BC; Tent Town, MB; Malen'kii Gorod, MB; McVey's Camp, MB; Yorkton, SK; Doukhobors Dam (Judith Basin County, MT); Konkinville (Crescent Valley, BC); Horkoffville, (Wadena, SK). Learn more!

Doukhobors in the Kamsack, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Kamsack, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 40 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Veregin, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Veregin, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 24 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

CBC Interview with Jonathan J. Kalmakoff

An 8.50 minute podcast interview of Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, Doukhobor researcher, writer and webmaster by Lindy Thorson of CBC Radio regarding his discovery of a wealth of records in the archives of the former Soviet republics shedding new light on early Doukhobor history and genealogy. Originally aired on the CBC Radio - Noon Edition, December 1, 2004.

History of the Anton S. and John A. Popoff Family

This detailed and candid autobiography documents the Anton S. and son John A. Popoff family of Doukhobors from their early pioneer experience in the Sturgis and Buchanan, SK districts after 1899 to their relocation to Yorkton, SK in 1905, Peoria, OR in 1913, Cowley, AB in 1918 and return to Yorkton, along with their role in the general history of the Doukhobor movement.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Saliken Drive (Penticton, BC); Laktin Road (Hills, BC); Basil Road, Beach Road, Dowedoff Road, Koftinoff Road, Legebokoff Road, Pepin Road, Swetlishoff Road, Vatkin Road (Grand Forks, BC). More Doukhobor street entries to follow soon!

Index of CCUB Members in Kylemore, Saskatchewan, 1930

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff contains information on 298 Doukhobors in 41 households belonging to Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) and to the Society of Named Doukhobors in Kylemore, SK in 1930. Information includes the name of the head of household, number of females and males and section of residence of each household.

The Doukhobor Jam Factory in Nelson, British Columbia

The Kootenay-Columbia Preserving Works is one of the best known communal enterprises of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood. However, few are aware that the Doukhobor jam enterprise got its start in Nelson, and fewer realize that the original factory building built in 1909 is still standing today. Local historian Greg Nesteroff examines its origins and history.

Doukhobors in the Buchanan, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Buchanan, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 68 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Canora, SK Telephone Directory, 1932  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1932 telephone directory for Canora, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 48 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Parks Canada Plaque Honours National Significance of Veregin, SK Doukhobors

On July 18, 2009, the Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada unveiled a commemorative plaque at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin, Saskatchewan, acknowledging the national significance of the Doukhobors at Veregin and proclaiming its affiliation with the family of national historic sites. Read this Press Release to learn more!

Visit to the Saskatchewan District Doukhobors, 1901

The following is an detailed account by John Ashworth, an English Quaker who in April of 1901 visited eleven Doukhobor villages along the North Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan. He recorded their active progress; acreage under crop; flour mills under construction; willingness to register vital statistics and apply for homesteads; anxiousness to learn English; and more.

Index of CCUB Members in Veregin, Saskatchewan, 1929

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff contains information on 531 members of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) in Veregin, Saskatchewan belonging to the Society of Named Doukhobors in Canada in 1929. Information includes the name of the head of household, number of females and males and section of residence of each household.

Index of USCC Members in British Columbia, 1946

The following index by Steve Lapshinoff contains information on 934 families belonging to the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) in British Columbia in 1946. Information includes the surname and name of the head of household, postal address and USCC community (local). Another excellent new genealogical source!

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Doukhobor Road (Tarrys, BC); Denisoff Road, Kooznetsoff Road, Makonin Road (Glade, BC); Evin Road, Gleboff Road, Horcoff Road, Wanjoff Street, Zaitsoff Road (Robson, BC); Minart Road (Winlaw, BC). More to follow!

Updated - Guide to Doukhobor Census Records  

The following guide describes Doukhobor census records in Canada and the United States - their historical background, dates, content, usefulness and reliability, and availability of original records and published indexes. Updated to include Canada & Northwest Provinces censuses, Independent Doukhobor censuses, Doukhobor village censuses, U.S. federal censuses, more.

Doukhobors in the Hendersons Brandon, MB Directory, 1929  

The following index by Edward M. Kazakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1929 Hendersons directory for Brandon, Manitoba. It contains the surname, name, occupation and address of 25 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Hendersons Brandon, MB Directory, 1931  

The following index by Edward M. Kazakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1931 Hendersons directory for Brandon, Manitoba. It contains the surname, name, occupation and address of 23 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Hendersons Yorkton, SK Directory, 1913  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1913 Hendersons directory for Yorkton, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, occupation and address of 11 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Hendersons Yorkton, SK Directory, 1921  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1921 Hendersons directory for Yorkton, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, occupation and address of 12 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

A History of the Perverseff Family

The following family biography by Roger Phillips traces the Perverseff family from their earliest origins through to their settlement on the Molochnaya, exile to the Caucasus and emigration to Canada, the family’s early pioneer years, and his own boyhood during the Depression. Reproduced by permission from his book "A History of the Phillips & Perverseff Families".

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Alexis Road (Shoreacres, BC); Androsoff Street (Blaine Lake, SK); Heritage Way, Doukhobor Migration Way (Ootischenia, BC); Khadikin Road (Taghum, BC); Laren Road, Osachoff Road, Popoff Road, Popoff Frontage Road (South Slocan, BC); Evin Road, Poohachoff Road (Slocan Park).

Sask Sisters Celebrate Along with Canada

When Lida Kabaroff and Alice Maloff (nee Podovelnikoff) arrived in the world 90 years ago, Canada was a very different place. The identical twins were born on their parents' farm near Blaine Lake on July 1, 1919. Back then, July 1 was called Dominion Day. For their birthday this year, the sisters celebrated with a Canadian flag cake.

Update - Index of Doukhobor Settlements in the 1916 Census of the Northwest Provinces

This geographic finding aid has been updated to include Saskatchewan Doukhobors enumerated in the 1916 Census of the Northwest Provinces! Search by province, district, sub-district and page number to find a listing of all Doukhobor settlements (villages, homesteads and households). A useful new resource for locating your Doukhobor family history!

Doukhobors in the Blaine Lake, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 152 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Langham, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Langham, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 52 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Cazakoff Road, Kays Road, Verigin Road (Blewett, BC), Fofonow Road (Taghum, BC), Brilliant Access Road, Gorkoff Road, Kalesnikoff Road, Makayev Road, Popoff Road, Voykin Road (Brilliant, BC), Zeeben Road (Ymir, BC).  More to follow!

Index of Doukhobor Settlements in the 1916 Census of the Northwest Provinces

Use this geographic finding aid to locate Doukhobors living in Manitoba and Alberta in the 1916 Census of the Northwest Provinces! Search by province, district, sub-district and page number to find a listing of all Doukhobor settlements (villages, homesteads and households). This index will be updated in due course to include Saskatchewan Doukhobor census entries.

Spanning the Years - The Vereschagin Family

This autobiography documents the Vereschagin family of Doukhobors. After their release from exile in Siberia, they came to Canada in 1905. In 1907, they moved to the US seeking warmer climate and opportunity. For 60 years they worked together as a cooperative family unit, becoming outstanding builders and innovators in the fruit growing and retail-wholesale industry.

Update - Doukhobor Births Registered in Saskatchewan, 1899-1908

This listing has been updated to include the full name, date of birth, location of birth, father's name, mother's name and registration number of 214 Doukhobor births registered in Saskatchewan in 1908 for a total of 1,475 Doukhobor births registered from 1899 to 1908. Compiled from records from the Saskatchewan Birth Index.

Update - The Mysterious Death of Peter Verigin

The following article by Larry Hannant has been updated to include a rare historic photo of the wreckage of the train coach which carried Doukhobor leader Peter "Lordly" Verigin after it mysteriously exploded near Farron, BC in 1924.  Reproduced by permission from the University of British Columbia library, it is believed to be the only photo of Coach 1586 in existence.

Update - Baron Haxthausen - A Visit to the Dukhobortsy, 1843

This historic account of the German traveller Baron Haxthausen's 1843 visit to the Dukhobortsy has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of 11 Doukhobor place names in historic Tavria province, Russia (present-day Zaporiz'ka province, Ukraine). It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Update - Quaker Visit to the Dukhobortsy, 1819

This historic account of William Allen and Stephen Grellet's 1819 visit to the Dukhobortsy has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of 11 Doukhobor place names in historic Tavria province, Russia (present-day Zaporiz'ka province, Ukraine). It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Update - A Visit to the Dukhobortsy on the Sea of Azov, 1816

This historic biography of Scottish missionary Robert Pinkerton's 1816 visit to the Dukhobortsy has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of 11 Doukhobor place names in historic Tavria province, Russia (present-day Zaporiz'ka province, Ukraine). It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Doukhobors in the Arran, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Arran, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 131 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Pelly, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Pelly, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 32 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Historical Map - Doukhobor Settlements in Cyprus, 1898-1899

New!  Following extensive research, a map of Doukhobor places of settlement on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been added to the Doukhobor historic maps section. A Doukhobor Genealogy Website exclusive, this detailed settlement information has not been previously published with respect to the Doukhobors.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include past and present-day names for the places of Doukhobor settlement on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus (present-day Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. These include: Athalassa; Beyarmudu; Efremovka; Koprulu; Kouklia; Larnaca; Pergamos.

The Doukhobors on Cyprus

In August 1898, 1,126 Doukhobor refugees landed on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus as a temporary refuge from persecution in Russia. Their resettlement was assisted by the Tolstoyan Pavel I. Biryukov who later wrote about their island experience. A century later, his memoirs are available for the first time in English in this Doukhobor Genealogy Website exclusive!

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition) by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff and Steve Lapshinoff.

Doukhobors Set for Yearly Gathering

The USCC Doukhobors will host the 62 annual Union of Youth Festival at the Brilliant Cultural Centre in Brilliant, British Columbia from May 16 to May 18. This year’s theme is, “A Living Legacy: Roots of Our Heritage Wings of Our Future." A display will be shown in the basement of the Brilliant Cultural Centre commemorating John J. Verigin Sr.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Dergousoff Road (Grand Forks, BC), Kalmakoff Road, Potapoff Road and Sheloff Road (Salmo, BC), Kavkaz View (Cowley, AB), Krestova Cemetery Road (Krestova, BC), Russian Road (Ootischenia, BC), Vishloff Street (Mission, BC).  More to follow!

Index of Doukhobor Settlements in the 1901 Canada Census

Use this geographic finding aid to locate Doukhobors in the 1901 Canada Census! Search by province, district, sub-district and page number to find a listing of all Doukhobor settlements (villages, homesteads and households). Then consult the Library and Archives Canada microfilm copies or links to online images of the census to find specific entries.

A Doukhobor Romance  

One of the most remarkable romances in history, this is the story of Arthur Fortesque, a well-born, Oxford-bred Englishman, nephew of the Chief Steward of the Duke of Portland, who in 1901, fell in love with Olga Varinhoff, a Doukhobor maiden in Canada. Renouncing his upper-crust English birthright, he married her and adopted her religion, customs and way of life. 

Doukhobors in the Kamsack, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Kamsack, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 185 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Veregin, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Veregin, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 119 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Bonderoff Road (Salmo, BC), Chernoff Drive (Gabriola Island, BC), Dukhobar Road (Eugene, OR), Elasoff Road (Krestova, BC), Hall Frontage Road and Sion Frontage Road (Grand Forks, BC), Kimoff Road (Appledale, BC), Konkin Road (Crescent Valley, BC), Lazareff Road (Glade, BC), Pakrowka Creek Road (RM of Corman Park, SK). More to follow!

Index of Doukhobor Settlements in the 1906 Census of the Northwest Provinces

Use this geographic finding aid to locate Doukhobors in the 1906 Census of the Northwest Provinces! Search by province, district, sub-district and page number to find a listing of all Doukhobor settlements (villages, homesteads and households). Then consult the Library and Archives Canada microfilm copies or online images of the census to find specific entries.

Facebook Page - Doukhobor Genealogy Website

A Facebook page has been created for the Doukhobor Genealogy Website. Visit it to find out more information about the website. Become a fan and receive periodic website updates or participate in discussions. Additional content will be published periodically. Another new way to access your Doukhobor roots! Note: Facebook membership required.

Update - Brands of the Doukhobor Stockmen of Alberta, 1911-1987

This heritage database has been updated to include 19 new cattle and horse brands registered by Doukhobor stockmen in Alberta from 1911-1987. These include brands under the Holoboff, Samaroden, Sherstabetoff and Zaytsoff surnames and the famous Doukhobor "D" brand of the Doukhobor Fraternal Co (CCUB). Includes town, brand book dates and description.

Update - Local Histories Index

The Local Histories Index has been updated to include the following five books: Unfolding the Pages: Recollections of Education in the Pincher Creek Area (Pincher Creek, AB); Where the Rivers Meet: A History of the Upper Oldman River Basin to 1939 (Pincher Creek, AB); Grand Forks: Where the Kettle River Flows (Grand Forks, BC); Schools of the Boundary: 1891 to 1991 (Grand Forks, BC); The Slocan: Portrait of a Valley (Slocan Valley, BC).

Update - Index of Doukhobors in the WWII Canadian Forces

This listing has been updated to include the surname, name, address, force and enlistment details for an additional 5 Doukhobor WWII servicemen for a total of 221.  Names include: Harelkin (Arelee, SK); Kazakoff (New Osgood, SK); and Patapoff (Coaldale, AB). This is a work in progress - stay posted for periodic updates.

Doukhobors in the Buchanan, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Buchanan, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 119 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Doukhobors in the Canora, SK Telephone Directory, 1922  

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobors that appear in the 1922 telephone directory for Buchanan, Saskatchewan. It contains the surname, name, address and telephone number of 97 Doukhobor household heads. A valuable, yet often overlooked resource for locating people, directories work well as a census substitute. 

Press Release: NDHV Reflects on a Busy 2008 Season, Upcoming 2009 Events  

The following is a summary of highlights from 2008 and upcoming 2009 events hosted by the National Doukhobor Heritage Village (NDHV) in Veregin, Saskatchewan. Includes: special prayer services (moleniye), community events as well as historic and cultural commemorations. Everyone is welcome to attend!

With the Doukhobors to Canada

Vera Mikhailovich Velichkina was a Russian doctor who escorted the fourth boatload of Doukhobors aboard the SS Lake Huron to Canada in 1899. The details of their trans-Atlantic crossing, their quarantine on Grosse Isle near Quebec City and their rail journey across Canada to Manitoba are described in detail in this English translation of her Russian memoirs.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include present-day Turkish names for the original Doukhobor settlements in Kars province, Russia (present-day Turkey). These include: Sahnalar (TU); Karahan (TU); Porsuklu (TU); Kuyucuk (TU); Mescitli (TU). Other Kars-area entries added include: Verbochki (TU); Krasnaya Gora (TU); and Gora Karakhan (TU).

Update - Alexey Ivanovich Popov: Childhood Memories

This historic biography of 19th century Kars Doukhobor Alexey Ivanovich Popov has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of 9 Doukhobor place names in Kars province, Russia (present-day Turkey). It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Update - Ivan G. Samarin: The Great Molokan Communicator

This historic biography of 19th century Kars Molokan Ivan Gureyevich Samarin has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of the 12 Molokan place names and 9 Doukhobor place names in Kars province, Russia (present-day Turkey). It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Historical Map - Doukhobor and Molokan Settlements in Kars, Russia, 1879-1899

New!  Following extensive research, a map of Doukhobor and Molokan settlements in Kars province, Russia (present-day Turkey) by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been added to the Doukhobor historic maps section. A Doukhobor Genealogy Website exclusive, this detailed settlement information has not previously been available in any English language maps.

The Doukhobor Monument to Alexander I in Terpeniye

In 1818, Tsar Alexander I visited the Doukhobor village of Terpeniye. To commemorate the historic event, the Doukhobors erected a monument in his honour. For a century the monument stood in the village until the Bolsheviks determined it was "ideologically harmful". Alexander A. Chukhraenko describes the monument, its fate and its overall historic and cultural significance.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Community Centre Road, Kootchin Road and Pereversoff Road (Grand Forks, BC), Drazdoff Road (Thrums, BC), Fillipoff Road (Shoreacres, BC), Kanigan Road (Appledale, BC), Koftinow Drive (Timber Cove, CA), Krestova Road, Krestova Crescent and Lower Krestova Road (Krestova, BC), Nicholas Street (Kamsack, SK), Raspberry Road (Raspberry, BC). More to follow!

The Threads of Our Heritage: Doukhobor Natural Fibre Textiles

In celebration of the International Year of Natural Fibre, the Boundary Spinners and Weaver Guild, and Joybilee Farm are partnering with the Courthouse Museum in Grand Forks to put on a show of natural fiber textiles and Doukhobor Heritage. The textiles displayed in this show are amazing, never before displayed, works of fibre art.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 13 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Cheshev, Granchikov, Gudnin, Kambarov, Kholodinin, Lysov, Makarin, Malash, Molodchenkov, Rozanov, Rusakov, Shchegolev and Svikhnushin.

Index of Doukhobor Settlements in the 1911 Canada Census

Use this geographic finding aid to locate Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census! Search by province, district, sub-district and page number to find a listing of all Doukhobor settlements (villages, work camps, homesteads and households). Then consult the Library and Archives Canada microfilm copies or online images of the census to find specific Doukhobor entries.

How Doukhobors Build Railways, 1906

In September 1905, the CCUB was awarded its first corporate contract to prepare 17 miles of grade on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line in the Assiniboine and Qu'Appelle River valleys near St. Lazare, Manitoba. The following Manitoba Morning Free Press article describes the Doukhobor railroad construction camps that supported this tremendous undertaking.

USCC Doukhobors 2009 Calendar of Events

The following is a calendar of special 2009 events hosted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Doukhobors in the Kootenay and Boundary regions of British Columbia. Includes: special prayer services (moleniye), community events as well as historic and cultural commemorations. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Update - A Visit to the Dukhobortsy on the Sea of Azov, 1816

This historic account of Robert Pinkerton's visit to the Doukhobors living on the Molochnaya River in 1816 has been updated to include an in-depth Afterword by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff analyzing the Scottish missionary's observations about the Doukhobors' way of life and beliefs, as well as a rare description of his late 1816 visit to the Doukhobors exiled in Finland.

Index of Union of Youth Members - Brilliant, BC Division, 1934

The following index by Steve Lapshinoff contains information on 150 Doukhobor members of the Brilliant, BC division of the Union of Youth Commune of the Society of Named Doukhobors of Canada in 1934. Information includes the surname, name, age, village and family grouping of each member.  Another excellent new genealogical source!

Doukhobor Dugout House - Special Events in 2009

The following is a listing of upcoming events at the Doukhobor Dugout House historic site near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan in 2008, which include: Doukhobor Peace Movement Day with a re-enactment of the 1895 Burning of Arms and Family Heritage Day where visitors are invited to share their Doukhobor family heritage memories, stories and photos. Everyone is welcome!

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Brilliant Road (Brilliant, BC), Cemetery Frontage Road, Esouloff Road, Rilkoff Frontage Road and Sleepy Hollow Road (Grand Forks, BC), Kabatoff Road (Thrums, BC), Postnikoff Bay & Crescent (Saskatoon, SK), Shukin Road (Pass Creek, BC), Skiboff Road (South Slocan, BC), Verigan Road & East Verigan Road (Manteca, CA). More to follow!

Doukhobors Featured in '150 Minutes of British Columbia History' Commemoration

The Doukhobors have been selected as one of 150 "Moments in British Columbia History" to be commemorated by engraved stones on the grounds of the British Columbia Legislature. The inclusion of the Doukhobors in this heritage commemoration is thanks to the efforts of Larry A. Ewashen, Curator of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include population statistics from the 1901 and 1905 censuses for Saskatchewan Doukhobor village entries. Also included are new entries for: Molochnye Vody (UK); Slavyansky Khutor (AZ); Zaglubokaya Balka (AZ); Mikhailovka Spring (SK); Limansky Uchastok (SK); Severnyy Uchastok (SK); Yuzhnyy Uchastok (SK).

Doukhobor Discovery Centre - 2009 Exhibit Planning Begins

With winter nipping and summer looming, work continues at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. The feature exhibit of 2009 will focus on the role of women and their continuing contribution to the Doukhobor movement. Larry Ewashen, Curator, has met with Lola Sherstobitoff and Nell Plotnikoff of the USCC Cultural Interpretive Society who will be assisting in the exhibit.

Update - Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1933

This listing has been updated to include the groom's name, bride's name, place, date, registration number and microfilm number of 24 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia in 1933. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from records from the British Columbia Marriage Registration Index.

Update - Spirit Wrestlers of Southern Russia

This informative article about the Doukhobors of Tselina district, Rostov province, Russia has been updated to include a new multi-point Google Map of the 11 Doukhobor villages in the district. It includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Index of Sons of Freedom Inmates at Moosomin Gaol, Moosomin, SK, 1916

New! The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff contains information on 11 Sons of Freedom inmates at Moosomin Gaol in Moosomin, Saskatchewan in 1916. Information includes each inmate's surname, name, age, weight, height, eye and hair colour, complexion, date of incarceration and date of discharge, as well as term and charges laid against.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Cultural Road and Trubetskoff Road (Brilliant, BC), Katelnikoff Road (Appledale, BC), Koftinoff Court (Manteca, CA), London Road, Plotnikoff Road and Reservoir Road (Grand Forks, BC), Perehudoff Court (Saskatoon, SK), Sorokin Road (Krestova, BC), Tolstoi Road (Veregin, SK). More to follow!

Index of Doukhobor Military Reservists Imprisoned and Exiled in Caucasia, 1895-1899

The result of groundbreaking research by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, this index contains the full name, patronymic, surname, birth year, village and province of origin, category of exile and comments for each of 258 Doukhobor military reservists and elders imprisoned and exiled in the Caucasus, Russia in 1895-1899 for refusing military service.

Update - The Pavlovtsy

This historical timeline features the Pavlovtsy - a group of 19th century peasant sectarians from Kharkov province, Russia and their numerous, overlapping connections with the Tolstoyan, Stundist and Doukhobor religious movements. New entries have been updated and a new multi-point Google Map of the family villages of origin in Kharkov has been added.

Quaker Visit to the Dukhobortsy, 1819  

In 1819, two Quaker missionaries visiting Russia, William Allen and Stephen Grellet, at the suggestion of Tsar Alexander I, travelled to the Dukhobortsy living on the Molochnaya River. Both kept journals and recorded their impressions. These detailed accounts are the earliest surviving descriptions by western observers of Doukhobor religious practices. 

Not to be Bought, Sold or Bartered With: Canadian Doukhobors and the Land Question  

The following article by John McLaren examines the question of land ownership among Canadian Doukhobors.  He finds that much of the conflict between the Canadian system of private ownership and traditional Doukhobor communal beliefs could have been avoided had governments adopted a spirit of accommodation and greater cultural sensitivity.

Doukhobors in the 1927 Cummins Rural Directory of Alberta  

The following index is of Doukhobor landowners that appear in the 1927 Cummins Directory Map for Alberta.  It contains the landowner name, legal land description, post office district and map number for 76 quarter-sections, comprising 12,160 acres of land, owned and farmed by Doukhobors, in this case, the CCUB exclusively. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

The Doukhobor Problem: Media Representations of Sons of Freedom Women  

The following article by Julie Rak analyses the process of the media in British Columbia and in Canada in the stigmatizing of members of the radical Doukhobor Russian religious community known as the “svobodniki” or the Sons of Freedom. This process lasted from the late 1920s through to the end of the 1960s.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer has been updated to include the following entries: Canning Road (Grand Forks, BC), Danshin Village Road (Grand Forks, BC), Horkoff Avenue (Wadena, SK), Kalmakoff Avenue (Canora, SK), Konkinville Road (Crescent Valley, BC), Makaroff Road (Saskatoon, SK), Markova Road (Brilliant, BC), Mill Road (Grand Forks, BC), Ootischenia Road (Ootischenia, BC), Pereverzoff Place (Prince Albert, SK). More street entries to follow!

Doukhobors in the 1930 Cummins Rural Directory of Saskatchewan  

New!  The following is a 54-page index of Doukhobor landowners that appear in the 1930 Cummins Directory Map for Saskatchewan.  It contains the landowner name, legal land description, post office district and map number for 2,339 quarter-sections, comprising 374,240 acres of land, owned and farmed by Doukhobors. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

Doukhobors in the 1918 Cummins Rural Directory of Alberta  

The following index is of Doukhobor landowners that appear in the 1918 Cummins Directory Map for Alberta.  It contains the landowner name, legal land description, post office district and map number for 88 quarter-sections, comprising 14,080 acres of land, owned and farmed by Doukhobors, in this case, the CCUB exclusively. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

The Good in All of Us

Many books attempt to define what being Doukhobor and being Canadian means. None comes close to capturing the simple message that freelance writer Mischa Popoff's Doukhobor grandfather gave him. His following article examines Canadianism and Canadian anti-Americanism from the Doukhobor viewpoint that "the spirit of God is in each of us".

Index of BC Sons of Freedom Members, 1928

The following index by Steve Lapshinoff contains information on 458 Sons of Freedom living in British Columbia in 1928. Information includes the surname and name of each head of household, number of males and females per household and the place of residence. Another excellent new source of genealogical information on Sons of Freedom Doukhobors!

Update - Brands of the Doukhobor Stockmen of Alberta, 1911-1987

This heritage database has been updated to include 20 new cattle and horse brands registered by Doukhobor stockmen in Alberta from 1911-1987. These include brands under the Hlookoff, Planidin and Podmaroff surnames as well as the famous Doukhobor "D" brand of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood. Includes town, brand book dates and description.

Hilliers Communal Farm was Short-Lived

In 1947, Sons of Freedom leader Michael "the Archangel" Verigin and 200 of his followers established a 348 acre communal farm at Hilliers, British Columbia. For 6 years, the colonists cleared and tilled the land, set up apiaries, planted orchards and vegetable gardens. Andrei Bondoreff examines one of Vancouver Island's most extraordinary communal experiments.

Brands of the Doukhobor Stockmen of Alberta, 1911-1987

This database contains over 100 cattle and horse brands registered by Doukhobor stockmen in Alberta from 1911-1987. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from the Stockmen's Memorial Foundation files, each entry includes the stockman’s name and town, brand registration date, brand description and more. Learn about the history of Alberta Doukhobor stockmen!

Journey to a Colony of Doukhobors, 1903

In 1903, renowned journalist and author E.W. Thompson accompanied an immigration officer and guide from Swan River, Manitoba to the Doukhobor village of Voznesenie in the Arran district of Saskatchewan. The following is a detailed, poignant account of his personal experiences and observations of the Doukhobors' unique customs and gracious hospitality.

Doukhobor Dugout House Designated National Historic Site

The Doukhobor Dugout House at Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan has been designated as a site of National Historic Significance. The Government of Canada made this designation on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Read this press release to learn about the latest Doukhobor national heritage site.

Mikhailovka Doukhobors Commemorated by Spring Naming

A spring near Thunder Hill, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the Doukhobors of Mikhailovka village, their settlement and story. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Mikhailovka Spring, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board. View Google Map!

John J. Verigin, 87: Community Leader

He survived fire, dynamite and depredation to achieve peace among the Doukhobors. Thrust into the leadership at 17, he overcame alcohol and persecution to forge a reconciliation. As a result, he was awarded the Order of Canada and - much later - the Order of British Columbia. This special to the Globe & Mail by Larry Hannant examines the life of John J. Verigin.

Index of Incoming Doukhobor Passengers to the UK, 1922-1927

New! The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff contains information on 150 Doukhobor ship passengers who arrived in UK ports between 1922 and 1927 in transit to the Soviet Union. Information includes the surname, name, age, family unit, occupation, port of departure, arrival date, port of arrival and ship name for each Doukhobor passenger.

Update - Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

The index of Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions has been updated to include an entry and picture of the following new ship: SS Montrose; SS Montnairn; SS Regina; and SS Kildonan Castle. Learn about the physical dimensions and capacity, builders, launches, shipping lines, shipping routes and schedules, name changes, wreck and salvage data of over 63 ships.

Press Release - Doukhobor Discovery Centre: End of Season

The Doukhobor Discovery Centre has had another successful season. Although tourist numbers were down in most venues we emerged with an increase for the 7th consecutive year. Read hear about the season highlights including national designations, Doukhobor Suspension Bridge restoration, outreach exhibits, the Doukhobor hymnology project and much more.

Brilliant Jam Factory was Thriving Industry

Among the many communal enterprises of the Doukhobor Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, the most remembered is their Kootenay-Columbia Preserving Works Jam Factory in Brilliant, British Columbia. The following article by William M. Rozinkin recalls the thriving industry of the Brilliant jam factory from 1915-1938.

Update - Index of Doukhobor Ship Passenger Surnames

The index of Doukhobor Ship Passenger Surnames has been updated to include five new ship lists: Antyufeev (SS Ultonia); D'yakov (SS Ultonia); Goncharov (SS Bavarian); Gritchin (SS Stuttgart); Rybin (SS Teutonic); Shchukin (SS Canada); Slastukhin (SS Ultonia); Vanzhov (SS Stuttgart); Vereshchagin (SS Stuttgart); Vyatkin (SS Ultonia); Yuritsin (SS Ultonia).

Update - Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

The index of Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions has been updated to include an entry and picture of the following new ship: SS Stuttgart. Learn about the physical dimensions and capacity, builders, launches, shipping lines, shipping routes and schedules, name changes, wreck and salvage data of this and over 63 other Doukhobor immigrant ships.

Update - Index of Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists

This index has been reformatted and updated to include the ship name, port and date of departure, port and date of arrival and number of passengers for over 90 ship lists containing Doukhobor passengers. Includes Library and Archives microfilm numbers as well as links to online images of each ship passenger list. A powerful new research tool!

Confession of a Doukhobor Elder

As a young man, Vasily V. Zybin witnessed and participated in the turbulent events of the 1890’s surrounding the arrest and exile of Doukhobor leader Peter “Lordly” Verigin; the Burning of Arms and Doukhobor refusal to perform military service; their departure to Canada; and their early life there. Years later, he recounted these experiences in this rare eyewitness memoir.

Hundreds Mark Verigin's Passing

More than 800 people attended the final ceremony and burial of loved Doukhobor leader John J. Verigin Sr. Hundreds of people walked alongside the family as they followed the casket up the hill to its final resting place at Verigins Memorial Gardens. Read more about the historic funeral in this Castlegar News article by Francisco Canjura.

Index of Sons of Freedom Inmates at Oakalla Prison Farm, Burnaby, BC, 1929

The following index by Steve Lapshinoff contains information on 112 Sons of Freedom inmates at Oakalla Prison Farm in Burnaby, British Columbia in 1929. Information includes each inmate's surname, name, sex, prisoner number, along with the date and type of offence. An excellent new source of genealogical information on Sons of Freedom Doukhobors.

State Funeral - Era Ends with Loss of Leader John J. Verigin, Sr.

An era has ended with the death of John J. Verigin, leader of the Doukhobor community for almost 70 years. Verigin spent a lifetime devoted to the Doukhobor ideals of pacifism, brotherhood and community. He also furthered his community’s ideology provincially, nationally and abroad. Read more in this retrospective by Castlegar Current reporter Kyra Hoggan.

Heritage Architecture Excellence Award Bestowed to Prayer Home, Veregin, SK

The Doukhobor Prayer Home at Veregin, Saskatchewan has been bestowed with the prestigious Heritage Architecture Award of Excellence. The Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, presented the award to the National Doukhobor Heritage Village, at a special public ceremony at Government House in Regina today. Read more here.

Doukhobors Arrange Funeral Services for Leader John J. Verigin

Traditional Doukhobor funeral services for deceased Doukhobor leader John J. Verigin Sr. will begin Friday, October 31, 2008 at 7 p.m. and continue on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the USCC Community Centre in Grand Forks. A service at the Brilliant Cultural Centre will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday and continue at 10 a.m Sunday November 2, 2008.

Death Announcement: John J. Verigin (Sr), Honorary USCC Chairman

John J. Verigin Sr. died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at his home in Grand Forks. He was 86. Mr. Verigin has served as the Honourary Chairman of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) since 1962, and has been widely recognized as a leader among thousands of Canadian and Russian Doukhobors since 1939.

Day-trip to Piers Island: Reminiscing About the Penitentiary, 1932-1935

On June 17, 2008, Dr. Gunter Schaarschmidt visited Piers Island in the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia where, 73 years earlier, over 600 Sons of Freedom were interred in a special penitentiary from 1932 to 1935. The following is an account of his observations and photos from his excursion to some of the physical features left from the penitentiary camp site.

Surname-Village-Surname Index of Doukhobors in the Caucasus, 1853

The following index by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is of Doukhobor surnames that appear in the 1853 tax register of the Caucasus region of Imperial Russia. Search geographically by village, or alphabetically by surname, to find the surnames that occurred in each village in 1853. Then follow the instructions to consult the full extracted and translated data from the tax register.

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Agdash, AZ; Baku, AZ; Elizavetpol (Ganja), AZ; Kars, TU; Kazakh (Qazax), AZ; Nekhichevan, AZ; Nukha, (Shaki), AZ; Tiflis (Tbilisi), GE; Yerevan, AR. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

The Doukhobor Community in Trail, British Columbia

Historically, Trail, British Columbia was an important centre of Doukhobor activity. Beginning in 1910, the Doukhobors of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) carried out an impressive building program and established a number of commercial ventures there. Local historian Jenny Cowell explores the history of the Doukhobor community in Trail.

Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project is a heritage project conceived in 2001 to identify, transcribe and make available on-line all Doukhobor cemeteries in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In this update, learn about the transcribed cemeteries already online, as well as ongoing research efforts and how you can assist this worthy project.

Update - The Dukhobortsy, 1863

This historical article describes the visit by the famous Russian painter Vasily Vasilyevich Vereshchagin to the Doukhobors living in Slavyanka village, Elizavetpol village in 1863. It has been updated to include rare, high-resolution copies of his sketches of the Doukhobors he encountered as well as a multi-point Google Map of the area of Doukhobor settlement.

1916 Census of Western Canadian Provinces Available on Microfilm

An exciting new source of genealogical information has arrived! The 1916 Census of the Western Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) is now available on microfilm at Library and Archives Canada. Read here to find out more about the information contained in the census, online census finding aids, as well as ongoing digitization and indexing efforts.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Akhtaz, GE; Batkhana, GE; Buchanan Mill Pond, SK; Bugdashi, GE; Dusheti, GE; Ebenezer, SK; Gori, GE; Khanchali, GE; Ordzha, GE; Signakhi, GE; Tioneti, GE; Troitsky Khutor, GE. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 18 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Bogunov, Eseev, Knyshin, Krasnoslovshchikov, Letunov, Login, Mashanov, Matveev, Patov, Podgorelov, Solomentsev, Solonitsyn, Stupenkin, Tabakarev, Tolopeev, Uryupin, Zabroskov and Zotikov.

Update - Doukhobor Developments in the Ebenezer District

This article has been updated to include new research information about the little-known Doukhobor contribution to the history and development of the Ebenezer district, Saskatchewan. In addition, a multi-point Google Map has been added, which includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more!

Index of Sons of Freedom Camped at Porto Rico, BC, 1929

This index by Steve Lapshinoff contains information on 537 Sons of Freedom expelled to the logging camp at Porto Rico from Brilliant, Thrums and Glade, British Columbia in November of 1929. Information includes the surname and name of the head of household, number of adult males, number of adult females, number of male children and number of female children.

Update - US Doukhobor Draft Registrations in World War One, 1917-1918

This index has been updated to include the full name, birth date, birth place and place of registration of an additional six Doukhobor men in the US between 1917 and 1918. As well, the occupation, registration county and registration number has been added to each entry. Compiled from records from the US National Archives and Records Administration.

The Cossack Cross of Spasskoye

In 2007, an ancient cross was discovered in the Spasskoye village cemetery in Zaporiz'ka, Ukraine. Its location, inscribed date and style all confirmed that it marked one of the oldest graves in the cemetery. Even more remarkable, there was compelling evidence to suggest that the grave belonged to a Doukhobor – one of the original residents of the village! Learn more!

28 Google Maps Added to Doukhobor Genealogy Website

The Doukhobor Genealogy Website has added custom Google Maps to twenty-eight pages to enhance its users’ online experience with interactive mapping imagery. Each includes standard Google Maps features as well as links to The Doukhobor Gazetteer, Google Earth, and more! This is the first of many Google Maps projects that are planned.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 27 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Antonov, Basov, Burtsev, Cheremisov, Dvortsov, Ekimov, Ermolov, Evstigneev, Grankin, Ivleev, Kapranov, Khrapov, Kislenkov, Konstantinov, Kunitsyn, Lipatov, Lukin, Maksimov, Mordovin, Poletov, Popkov, Shcheglov, Strel'nikov, Talanov, Vasil'ev, Vyatkin, Yakushev.

Family Digs Cucumbers Through the Generations

In the garden in their backyard, Lloyd and Sharon Lahti grow prized cucumbers. Like their family, the cucumbers trace their roots to the Doukhobors in Russia. Brought from the Caucasus and first grown in Blaine Lake at the turn of the 20th century, the cucumber is still in the family, dutifully planted by one member of the family or another for more than 100 years.

Pond Name Celebrates Buchanan's History & Development, Doukhobor Heritage

A pond near Buchanan, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the history and development of the village and its Doukhobor heritage. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Buchanan Mill Pond, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board. View Google Map!

1945 USCC Membership List Index - Community 17 - Blagodatnoye, BC

This index contains the surname, name, age and village of 135 Doukhobor members of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ living in USCC Community No. 17 - the Blagodatnoye (Champion Creek) settlement area of British Columbia in 1945. Compiled from the private collection of William W. Kavaloff.

Kamennoye Wood Stave Pipe Factory Began Operation in 1915

In 1915, the CCUB established a wood stave pipe factory in the Kamennoye settlement area across from Brilliant, British Columbia. It was an important industrial asset of the CCUB, supplying pipe for the construction of irrigation systems for the vast communal orchards. The following article by W.M. Rozinkin describes its operations until its demise in 1931.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

Aragilneri Gyugh, GE; Arekhoff Village, BC; Blagodatnoye, SK; Cote, SK; Dorogotsennoye, BC; Insinger Doukhobor Farm, SK; Krasivaya Dolina, AB; Krasivaya Dolina Cemetery, AB; Makarovka, BC; Novyi Uchastok, BC; Salmo, BC; Skalistoye, BC; Trail, BC; Verigin Subdivision, BC; Voykin Subdivision, BC.

Be a Part of History in the Making

The Trail Rossland News, Castlegar News and the Nelson Star are honouring the Doukhobor Centennial in British Columbia with a special commemorative booklet, "Celebrating Doukhobors in the Kootenay-Boundary, 100 Years of History in Pictures, 1908 - 2008". Find out how you can submit your pictures and stories for this centennial anniversary publication.

The Doukhobors at Waterloo, British Columbia, 1911

The following 1911 account outlines the agricultural, commercial and industrial development of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood at Waterloo (Dolina Utesheniya), British Columbia.  Published in the Manitoba Free Press, it highlights the material prosperity and substantial progress of the Doukhobor Community after three short years of settlement there.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Krasivaya Dolina Cemetery Site, Queenstown district, AB.  Learn more about the Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project, and how you can contribute to this worthwhile heritage activity.

1912 Report of the General Meeting of the Doukhobor Community

The following is a rare extant report of the general meeting of the Doukhobor Community held at Otradnoe village, Saskatchewan, on October 13, 1912, as published in the Manitoba Free Press, December 5, 1912 by Peter "Lordly" Verigin. The minutes provide extraordinary insight into the administrative and financial matters along with the current issues of the day.

The First Gorelovka Village, Blaine Lake District, SK

In 1899, Doukhobors from Kars, Russia established a sod dugout village in the banks of a small creek six miles west of Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. They named it Gorelovka. The village existed for three years, after which it was abandoned and the Doukhobors formed two new villages nearby. Here, Roger Phillips chronicles his efforts to locate the original village site.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

Appledale, BC; Borisenkoff Lake, SK; Dewoskoff School, SK; Dolina Sidorova, BC;
Dolina Opustosheniya, BC; Eagle Point School, SK; Epp School, SK; Finlayson
School, SK; Gorelovka, SK; Henrietta School, SK; Old Haralowka Cemetery, SK;
North Kylemore School, SK; Svyataya Mogila, BC.

Index of Freedomite Children Placed with Independent/Community Doukhobors, 1933-1935

This index by Steve Lapshinoff contains the surname, name, sex, foster family name and address for each of 357 Sons of Freedom children, whose parents were interned at Piers Island Penitentiary, British Columbia, and who were placed by the government with Independent and Community Doukhobor families between 1933 and 1935 for foster care.

New Link - Spiritual Singing of Russian Doukhobors

The following eight-part Russian video lecture by Dr. Serafima Evgen'evna Nikitina, Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Science examines the spiritual versus sung by three religious groups in Russia today, the Old Believers, Molokans and Doukhobors, with a special focus on the latter. Recorded at Kaminnom Hall, Club “Art'eria”, Moscow, Russia on April 9, 2008.

Index of Sons of Freedom Interned at Piers Island Penitentiary, BC, 1932-1935

This index by Steve Lapshinoff contains the surname, name, sex, age, place of arrest, remand prison, place of conviction and comments for each of 556 Sons of Freedom Doukhobors incarcerated at Piers Island Penitentiary, British Columbia for three-year terms between 1932 and 1935 for public disturbances.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Old Haralowka Cemetery, Blaine Lake district, SK.  Learn more about the Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project, and how you can contribute to this worthwhile heritage activity.

Folk Furniture of Canada's Doukhobors

When the Doukhobors arrived in Canada, the folk furniture they created reflected the traditional forms, construction methods and decorative motifs of Russia. The following article by John Fleming and Michael Rowan examines how geography and Canadian society affected how the Doukhobors adopted and adapted these elements in their new environment.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Plodorodnoye, TU; Odintsovo, TU; Petropavlovka, TU; Golitsyno, TU; Sofatova Dolina, BC; Pump Hill, BC; Bozhiya Dolina (Krestova), BC; Krivoy Most, BC; Peshchera, BC; Gritchina Balka, BC; The Pump, BC; Kelvington Colony, SK.

Grand Forks Brick Plant Launched in 1909

In 1909, the CCUB established a brick plant west of Grand Forks, British Columbia. At its peak, it produced up to three million bricks annually. It was an important industrial asset of the CCUB, supplying bricks for the construction of Community buildings and for sale to the outside world. The following article by W.M. Rozinkin describes its operations until its demise in 1932.

Piers Island: The Doukhobor Period, 1932-1935 - Postscript Added

According to the official government account outlined in this article, the Piers Island Penitentiary warden instructed his staff not to use physical force on the Doukhobors prisoners. However, surviving Doukhobor accounts allege gross abuses of the Piers Island prisoners. A postscript has been added to this article outlining the Doukhobor perspective.

Publications - New Prices in Effect

Effective immediately, the new retail prices for Doukhobor genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are as follows: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus ($30.00); 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census ($25.00); 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List ($15.00). All prices exclusive of postage costs. 

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Kislyy Kvas Rodnik, TU; Kipeniye Rodnik, GE; Lushechkin Khutor, GE; Kalmykov Khutor, UK; Shaba Kishlak, AZ; Amerikanskaya Gora, WA; Koty, RU; Novoye, RU; Cowley School, AB; Lundbreck School, AB; Shafter Colony, OR.

Library and Archives Canada & Doukhobor Genealogy Website Announce Partnership

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, creator of the Doukhobor Genealogy Website, the largest Doukhobor family history website, announced today a strategic partnership to make more resources accessible to Canadians interested in online Doukhobor family research, including a thematic guide to Doukhobor historical records.

Piers Island: The Doukhobor Period, 1932-1935

The following detailed historical account by A. Harold Skolrood outlines the internment of the Sons of Freedom on Piers Island, British Columbia from 1932 to 1935, including their arrest and conviction, selection of the prison site, its acquisition by expropriation, the compounds, the Doukhobors as prisoners, their release from prison, staff and the eventual removal of buildings.

Kylemore Historic Doukhobor Tour

On June 30, 2008, the National Heritage Doukhobor Village hosted a guided motor coach tour of Doukhobor historical sites and points of interest in the Kylemore district of Saskatchewan, visiting original CCUB village sites, exploring surviving buildings and structures, and learning about the Doukhobors who inhabited them, their way of life, and events that took place there.

Celebrating Peters Day

An event marked by Doukhobors everywhere has been the annual tradition of Peter's Day. Originally an Orthodox ecclesiastic holiday, it was also the name day of Doukhobor leader Peter "Lordly" Verigin and was also the day of the Doukhobor 'Burning of Arms' in the Caucasus in 1895. Read here about Peters Day 2008 celebrations in British Columbia.

Update - Kylemore, SK Doukhobor Settlement Historic Map

The Doukhobor historic maps section has been updated to include a new and improved map of the Kylemore Doukhobor settlement from 1918 to 1938.  The historical map includes section, township and range lines, highways and grid roads as well as accurately positioned and calibrated Doukhobor village locations. A useful new reference for family history research.

Doukhobors Featured in '100 Saskatchewan Stories' Documentary Series

The Doukhobors are featured in an episode of 100 Saskatchewan Stories, a 13-part television documentary that tells the story of the people, places and events in Saskatchewan history. The half-hour episode entitled “Left, Right & Centre – Part 1” originally premiered on Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN) in 2006 and has been regularly aired since.

Canned Doukhobor Borsch?

Canned borsch? "Why not!" thought two Doukhobor entrepreneurs in 1955. Using an age-old family recipe, they marketed their ready-to-eat Doukhobor vegetable soup under the Kootenay Valley "Genuine Borsch" brand.  The world was not ready for canned borsch, however, it left behind some colourful labels, now prized collectibles. By Greg Nesteroff.

Doukhobor Collection of James Mavor Available Online

The Doukhobor Collection of James Mavor, a vast compilation of over 785 documents from the early twentieth century relating to the arrival and settlement of the Doukhobors in Canada, has been digitized and added online to the Multicultural Canada website. To learn more about this tremendous new Doukhobor research source, read this Press Release.

The Doukhobors at Veregin, Saskatchewan, 1911

The following 1911 account outlines the agricultural, commercial and industrial enterprises of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood in Veregin, Saskatchewan.  Published in the Manitoba Free Press, it highlights the material prosperity and substantial progress of what was already then a multi-million-dollar enterprise.

Boundary Museum Moves to Fructova School, Grand Forks, BC

Some exciting news for the Boundary Museum Society in Grand Forks. After receiving a grant from the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary, the Society has announced that they will be moving and opening and new museum at the Fructova School which is owned by the U.S.C.C. Doukhobor organization in Grand Forks. Read more in this news release.

Doukhobor Place Names Database Renamed 'The Doukhobor Gazetteer'

The database formerly known as the 'Doukhobor Place Names Database' has been renamed 'The Doukhobor Gazetteer' to reflect its expanded scope and content. With over 1,000 entries, it is the most comprehensive and authoritative source of Doukhobor geographic information ever compiled, with entries for Doukhobor place names, features and locations worldwide.

Leo Tolstoy's Teachings and the Sons of Freedom in Canada

The following scholarly article by Svetlana A. Inikova examines how the roots of the Freedomite movement can be found in the intellectual ideas and philosophical writings of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. His teachings, spread by Tolstoyans living among the Doukhobors in Canada and abroad, exerted a definite influence on the formation of the radical wing of the Doukhobors.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Troitskii Shpir', RU; Golitsyno, RU; Odintsovka, RU; Astrakhanka, RU; McVey's Camp, MB: Burtsevo, SK; Doukhobor Quarter, SK; Lyubovnoye, SK; Kylemore Colony, SK; Cowley-Lundbreck Colony, AB; Koch Siding, BC; Caesar Village, BC; Koloniya Svobody, OR.

Doukhobors Featured at Canadian Council of Archives National Conference

The Doukhobors were among the topics featured at the Canadian Council of Archives National Conference held in Regina, Saskatchewan May 24 to 25, 2008. The conference programme included a workshop on "Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots" by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.  Find out about this national event dedicated to Canada's documentary heritage.

Petrofka

In his later years, Alex J. Bayoff (1906-1989) wrote down his memories of growing up in the Doukhobor village of Petrofka along the North Saskatchewan River near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. In clear, simple and sincere style, he depicts the life and times of the village in the context of his family experience. A Doukhobor Genealogy Website exclusive.

Celebrating 100 Years of Doukhobor Heritage

In the years 1908 to 1913, some 5,000 Doukhobor settlers came from the Prairies to B.C., which is deemed to be the largest internal migration in Canadian history. This year, the Doukhobor community is celebrating its first century in beautiful British Columbia. These 100 years of Doukhobor life in B.C. have been graced by accomplishment and distinction.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Piers Island, BC; Grosse Ile, QB; Lawlor Island, NS; Biryuchiy Ostrov, Ukraine; Petrofka Spring, SK; Dobrovolya (Blaine Lake, SK); Golovinka (Blaine Lake, SK); Sarilia Country Estates (Langham, SK), Sionskaya Gora (Grand Forks, BC); Sionskaya Gora (Brilliant, BC).

Taking the Cure: How a Group of British Columbia Anarchists Inspired Democracy in Russia

The following article by Christopher Shulgan examines the little-known story of how in 1980, the Doukhobors of British Columbia inspired the the highest-ranking member of the Soviet Union in Canada, Ambassador Aleksandr N. Yakovlev, to become the architect of the Glasnost and Perestroika democratic reforms in Russia.  Published in The Walrus Magazine (June 2008).

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional five surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Artishchev, Fedotov, Moskalev, Rudakov, Seryaev. Among the Molokans, these surnames occurred only in Russia.

Columbia Basin Trust Gives $200K for Brilliant Bridge Restoration

On May 7, the Columbia basin Trust announced a $200,000 commitment to the restoration of the Brilliant Suspension Bridge, noting its historic link to the local Doukhobor heritage and culture.  The contribution is a huge boost towards helping the Brilliant Suspension Bridge Restoration Committee reach its fundraising target of $750,000.

Doukhobor Discovery Centre Celebrates 37th Seasonal Opening

With the theme of the 100th commemoration of the Doukhobor move to BC, the Doukhobor Discovery Centre celebrated it's 37th season on April 27.  Highlights included the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada official unveiling of the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge, and the participation of the Psalmist's Ensemble. Read this Press Release for more information.

Spring Name Commemorates Doukhobors of Petrofka

A spring near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the Doukhobor settlers of Petrofka village. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Petrofka Spring, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board.

National Historic Significance of Doukhobor Suspension Bridge Commemorated

Parks Canada unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque honouring the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge as a site of national historic significance. A ceremony was held on the grounds of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar, British Columbia. This recognition will help Canadians better appreciate this important chapter in Canada's history.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: South Kylemore School (Kylemore, SK); Dunree School (Shouldice, AB); LaSalle School (Mossleigh, AB); Outlook School (Grand Forks, BC); Spencer School (Grand Forks, BC); Carson School (Carson, BC).  Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 13 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Alekseev, Barbin, Bychkov, Fedorov, Kobzenko, Kolbov, Kolesnik, Kuchaev, Malen'kov, Nikiforov, Rybkin, Sanin, Varakin.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Grand Forks, BC; Castlegar, BC; Waterloo, BC; Thrums, BC; Tarrys, BC; Glade, BC; Shoreacres, BC; Crescent Valley, BC; Lebahdo, BC; Winlaw, BC; Perry Siding, BC: Creston, BC. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Doukhobor Session - Canadian Council of Archives - Archives & You Conference 2008

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff will be leading a plenary session on "Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots" at the 2008 Archives & You conference held by the Canadian Council of Archives at the Regina Inn in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 24-25, 2008.  Find out about the Doukhobor session, the conference program, registration, accommodations and more.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Benito, MB; Arran, SK; Pelly, SK; Kamsack, SK; Canora, SK; Buchanan, SK; Kylemore, SK; Watson, SK; Blaine Lake, SK; Langham, SK; Arrowwood, AB; Cowley, AB; Lundbreck, AB; Mossleigh, AB. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village Historic Site - 2008 Report

The following update by W.J. Fofonoff details the 2008 restoration activities at Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village, a 16.9 acre property containing what remains of the historic Makortoff Doukhobor Village. Built on a knoll overlooking the junction of the Kettle and Granby River valleys, the village is located one kilometre west of Grand Forks, British Columbia.

Kylemore, SK - Historical Doukhobor Tour - June 30, 2008

A historical tour of the Doukhobor settlements in Kylemore and district, Saskatchewan is planned for June 30, 2008.  This is the fourth in a series of annual tours sponsored by the National Doukhobor Heritage Village.  Learn more about participating and contributing to this historic settlement tour through the sharing of pictures, family stories, information, etc.

'Edifice & Us' Documentary Series - Flash Streaming Video Added Online

An 8.59 minute Flash streaming video excerpt of Edifice & Us is now available online. The full half-hour episode entitled "Home of the Spirit Wrestlers" featuring the Doukhobor Prayer Home in Veregin, Saskatchewan premiers on the Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN) on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, April 3 at midnight.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 16 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Bogatyrev, Burlin, Erin, Fetisov, Kakhov, Khramtsov, Lyubimov, Mordovin, Novosil'tsov, Rozhnov, Shul'gin, Smagin, Suslov, Tarabukin, Vypov, Zapasnoy.

Kootenay Region - Doukhobor Centennial Celebrations - April 26th & 27th, 2008

The following is a calendar of special events in the Kootenay region being held on April 26-27, 2008 to commemorate the centennial of the Doukhobor migration from Saskatchewan to British Columbia, 1908-2008.  Events include an evening supper and cultural celebration, community fundraiser, traditional prayer service and the official opening of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.

Russian Studies in History - Special Russian Sectarian Issue

The journal Russian Studies in History has published a special issue devoted to Russian sectarian history. In its Winter 2007 issue (Volume 46, Issue 3) entitled “Russian Religious Sectarianism”, it features articles by world-acclaimed scholars (Nicholas Breyfogle, Svetlana Inikova, Iuliia Argudiaeva and Irina Dolzhenko dedicated to Doukhobors and Molokans.

Doukhobor Content Added to Wikipedia

A substantial amount of Doukhobor-related content has recently been added to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, making it a potentially helpful source of general information on the Russian religious movement. The following is a review of the six full-length articles presently available, details about Wikipedia, and the pros and cons of using Wikipedia as a research resource.

Doukhobor Article Published in Onomastica Canadiana

The article "Frequency of Doukhobor Names in Saskatchewan in 1905" by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been published in the scholarly journal Onomastica Canadiana (89-2, December 2007). It examines the frequency of men's names, women's names and surnames found among 9,188 Doukhobors living in Saskatchewan in 1905.  Click here to read article in website format.

Spencer Area of 'Ubezhishche", British Columbia

In 1909, Community Doukhobors from Saskatchewan purchased 550 acres of land along July Creek in the Spencer district of British Columbia. They named the area Ubezhishche, from the Russian for “refuge” or “hideaway”. The following article written by Mike Zibin of Grand Forks, British Columbia describes his early memories of Ubezhishche in the Thirties and Forties.

Doukhobor Prayer Home Featured in 'Edifice & Us' Documentary Series

The Doukhobor Prayer Home in Veregin, Saskatchewan is featured in an upcoming episode of Edifice & Us, a television documentary that explores Saskatchewan through the architectural heritage of the province. The half-hour episode, entitled “Home of the Spirit Wrestlers”, premiers on the Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN) on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:30 p.m.

Update - Doukhobor Gazetteer

The Doukhobor Gazetteer database has been updated to include the following entries: Brilliant Terrace Park; Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park; Lois Hole Memorial Gardens; Lois Hole Park; Petrofka Recreation Site; Verigin's Memorial Gardens; Zuckerberg Island; Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Mir Slovari - Slovar' Russkikh Familii; Celebrating Saskatchewan's Heritage; Atlas of Alberta Railways; Trails in Time - A Castlegar Trail Guide; CPR Station Museum - Castlegar, BC; Alexander Palace - Russian History Websites; Lost Lost Drazdoffs (blog); and more.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include over ninety-nine Doukhobor cemetery entries in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.  Each entry contains toponymic and historical information as well as geographic coordinates and links to cemetery transcriptions. Search by name, type, alphabetically and geographically.

New Book: Leo Tolstoy and Russian Peasant Sectarian Writers

Edited by Andrew Donskov, this new 298-page book by the Slavic Research Group presents selected letters between Tolstoy and four peasant writers: the Molokan philosopher Fedor Zheltov, the Doukhobor leader Peter Vasil'evich Verigin, the Sabbatarian [Subbotnik] Timofej Bondarev and Mikhail Novikov. Released March 2008. Find out more here.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Krestova Cemetery.  Learn more about the Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project, and how you can contribute to this worthwhile heritage activity.

The Doukhobor Homestead Crisis, 1898-1907

This research article by Kathlyn (Katya) Szalasznyj examines the complicated events leading to the Doukhobor homestead crisis in Saskatchewan in 1898-1907, which resulted in divisions among Doukhobors over land ownership, the break-up of the Doukhobor Community, and the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of acres of Doukhobor homesteads. 

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional six surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Cherny, Gridnev, Konchakov, Pichugin, Puzikov, Shishlyannikov. Among the Molokans, these surnames occurred only in Russia.

New Link - Doukhobor-Russian Reflections

By Florence Chernoff-Lymburner. The following gallery contains 45 images of original Doukhobor-Russian art, depicting their culture, heritage, and spirit. The artist, Florence Chernoff-Lymburner, a Doukhobor born and raised in Grand Forks, British Columbia, has been featured in exhibits across Canada and the United States.

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

Doukhobor Culture at a Crossroads

Aging order faces choices, but what to do: market a culture to preserve it, or live it? Reproduced from the pages of the Vancouver Sun (July 27, 2002) this article reveals the forces of cultural change among the Doukhobors of the British Columbia interior. Will they adapt to the world on their own terms or pass from the landscape like a barn falling to its knees?

Update - Index of Doukhobors in the WWII Canadian Forces

This listing has been updated to include the surname, name, address, force and enlistment details for an additional 17 Doukhobor WWII servicemen for a total of 218.  Names include: Fofonoff, Koochin, Podmoroff, Sherstabetoff (Mossleigh, AB); Chernoff, Esawoloff, Morosoff, Popoff, Zbetnoff, Zeeben (Yorkton, SK); Bonderoff, Holobow, Kazakoff, Popoff (Wadena, SK). 

The Colony: Anastasia's Village, Shouldice, Alberta

The following article by William Anatooskin recounts life in Anastasia F. Holoboff's communal settlement near Shouldice, Alberta, known as the Lordly Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, or simply "The Colony".  It contains a detailed listing of the families who lived there, along with the relative location of each household.

New Israel Religious Movement - Russian Museum at San Javier, Uruguay

In the early twentieth century, thousands of members of the New Israel religious movement fled Russia for South America to escape persecution and establish a community based on their beliefs. Today, almost a century later, their descendants struggle to maintain their Russian heritage. The following is an appeal for assistance for their museum at San Javier, Uruguay.

New Israel: Transformation of a Branch of Russian Religious Dissent

The following article by Sergey Petrov examines the origins and history of New Israel, a small religious movement of Spiritual Christians that emerged in Russia in the late nineteenth century. It investigates the many similarities between New Israel and another Spiritual Christian group, the Doukhobors, who were a significant influence on the movement.

Doukhobor Discovery Centre Heritage Project

On February 24th the Doukhobor Discovery Centre unveiled its Heritage Week Project at the USCC Cultural Centre in Grand Forks, BC. The psalmist project involved the recording of three different psalmist groups, with joint rehearsals of the groups followed by a public performance to an enthusiastic audience. Future plans include a CD collection. Read more here.

Memories of Orchards and Raspberries at Raspberry Village, British Columbia

In 1932, Community Doukhobors established a village settlement across the Columbia River from Castlegar, British Columbia. Situated near a large communal raspberry plantation, they named it Malinvoye, meaning “raspberry” in Russian. The following article by William M. Rozinkin examines the history of the community known today as Raspberry, British Columbia.

New Book Explores Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station

A new book has been published about the Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station. Quarantine: What is Old is New: Halifax and the Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station, 1866-1938 by Dr. Ian A. Cameron examines its history, connection to the Doukhobors, and importance to Canada's medical, immigration and maritime history. Read this release to find out more.

Two New Doukhobor Historical Designations

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board has designated Doukhobor leader Peter Vasilyevich Verigin as a person of National Historic Significance, and the Migration of the Doukhobors to British Columbia as an event of National Historic Significance.  This announcement culminates several years of lobbying efforts by Doukhobor Discovery Centre curator Larry Ewashen.

Doukhobor Prayers Keep Tradition Alive

In 1915, a small colony of about 300 Doukhobors was established around Lundbreck in southwestern Alberta. It acted as a midpoint between the grain fields of the Saskatchewan colonies and the large B.C. population. In this Calgary Sun article, Graeme Morton meets their few remaining descendants in the area, who struggle to keep their tradition alive.

The B.C. Pen's Graveyard Secrets

Not much is left of the federal penitentiary at New Westminster, less still of the thousands of men who served time there for murder, rape, theft and drug-dealing. About four dozen, including five Doukhobor inmates, however, are still there, in a forgotten graveyard called Boot Hill. In this Vancouver Sun article, Randy Shore recounts how their names were nearly lost forever.

Blowin' in the Wind

Photography is more than just a profession for Calgary Sun columnist Mike Drew. It's also his passion, equalled only by his love of the outdoors. But when he drove out of Calgary one afternoon looking for birds and wildlife to photograph, the last thing he expected to find was an abandoned Doukhobor settlement on the road between Arrowwood and Shouldice, Alberta.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional six surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Druzhinin, Kurteev, Lepekhin, Leshtaev, Nesterenko and Sychev.

The Doukhobors in Malyi Snezhetok

Today in the Pervomaysky district of Tambov, Russia, one hundred and four Doukhobor immigrants from Georgia have obtained permanent residence. Half of them – under the Russian Federation's state program for the resettlement of Russian compatriots. Russian journalist Evgeny Pisarev examines their arrival from the perspective of the local Tambov population.  

Update - Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1932

This listing has been updated to include the groom's name, bride's name, place, date, registration number and microfilm number of 27 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia in 1932. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from records from the British Columbia Marriage Registration Index.

Doukhobor Session - Canadian Council of Archives - Archives & You Conference 2008

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff will be leading a plenary session on "Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots" at the 2008 Archives & You conference held by the Canadian Council of Archives at the Regina Inn in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 24-25, 2008.  Find out about the Doukhobor session, the conference program, registration, accomodations and more.

(Re)Reading BC's Doukhobor Cultural Landscape

In British Columbia, the Community Doukhobors under Peter ‘Lordly’ Verigin created a cultural landscape that reflected their communal agrarian values. Carl J. Tracie examines the role of spatial and spiritual factors that weakened and finally undermined the economic survival of the Community and eventually resulted in the disintegration of their unique cultural landscape.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Arkhangel'skoye Cemetery, Perekhodnoye Cemetery, Pelly district, SK; Khutor Cemetery, Veregin district, SK; Trudolyubovoye Cemetery, Runnymede district, SK; Riverhill (Spasovka) Cemetery, Old Spasovka Cemetery, Blaine Lake district, SK (updated).

Doukhobors in Hilliers, British Columbia

In 1947, Sons of Freedom leader Michael "the Archangel" Verigin and 70 of his followers established a 320 acre communal colony at Hilliers, British Columbia. The following article by present property owner Richard de Condole briefly examines the history of the controversial Hilliers Doukhobor colony to the present.

More Georgian Doukhobors Move to Tambov

54 more Doukhobors have recently relocated from the village of Gorelovka in the Republic of Georgia to the Pervomayskiy district of Tambov province, Russia as part of a state-sponsored program to voluntarily repatriate Russians residing in former Soviet republics.  Another 500 Georgian Doukhobors await official clearance to join them. Read more in this special release.

New Link - This Moment Events

Visit the new website hosted by Doukhobor Sara Kinakin. This Moment Events is committed to the production of global events that inspire while building & strengthening communities through the sharing of wisdom stories that celebrate the linking of generations and cultures across time and space. Doukhobor content with a global focus.

National Heritage Doukhobor Village, Veregin, SK - 2008 Annual Meeting

The National Heritage Doukhobor Village at Veregin, Saskatchewan will be holding its Annual 2008 General Meeting on January 27, 2008. The agenda items will include scheduling and selection of 2008 events as well as the election of a new Board. Everyone is welcome to attend!

A Tale of Two Giants Bound by Pacifism

Sixty years ago this month, history's most famous pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi, was felled by an act of senseless violence.  Yet while his life and message of non-violence are well known, his philosophy's genesis in the writings of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy is largely forgotten. In this Toronto Star Sun article, Daniel A. Cohen examines a tale of two giants bound by pacifism.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Arrow Lakes Historical Society; The International Selikirk Loop; The Kootenay Rockies; Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History; Vanishing British Columbia; Google Maps; Maplandia; and more.

Doukhobor Novel Does More than Tell a Good Story

In this Vancouver Sun article, Robert J. Wiersama reviews the new Doukhobor historical novel, "Svoboda" by Bill Stenson.  He observes that Stenson's novel does more than tell a good story; it is an important work, a moving piece of fiction that not only casts light on a largely forgotten aspect of our history but also brings into focus our actions and attitudes today.

New Stories Link - Peace Dividend

After the Cold War, Leo Tolstoy’s country estate fell into disrepair, until salvation came from a distant relative and a Christian pacifist sect. This CNN Traveller article by Alfred Kueppers examines the history and present state of Yasnaya Polyana in Tula, Russia. Photos by Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak.

New Link - USCC Doukhobor Website

Visit the great new website hosted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Doukhobors of the beautiful Kootenay Boundary region of south-central British Columbia! Contains an exciting array of multimedia sections about the Doukhobors, USCC information, special events, places of interest, links and contact information.

Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ - Special Events in 2008

The following is following is a calendar of special 2008 events hosted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Doukhobors in the cities of Castlegar and Grand Forks, British Columbia and surrounding localities. Everyone is welcome!

Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan - 2008 Annual Conference

Everyone is welcome to attend the Annual Conference of the Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan (DCSS) February 22-24, 2007 at the Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa located at Manitou Beach, near the Town of Watrous, Saskatchewan. The theme of this year's Conference is "Faith and its Sustainability" and will include a number of presenters.

- 2007 -

New Russian Book Chronicles the Doukhobors

A new book has been published in Russian about the Doukhobors. Strana Dukhoboriya by Alla Bezhentseva was published in Tbilisi, Georgia by Russkii Klub in late 2007. The English translation of the title is “Land of the Doukhobors”. To find out more about this publication, and how to download a PDF copy, read the following release. 

Arrival of the First Group of Doukhobors in Ootischenia, British Columbia, 1908

In 1908, the Doukhobors purchased vast tracts of land in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. They first settled at Waterloo, an abandoned mining camp on the Columbia River which Doukhobor leader Peter “Lordly” Verigin renamed Ootischenia. Among the first group of settlers was William A. Fominoff. The following is his account of their historic arrival.

Doukhobor Dugout House - Special Events in 2008

The following is a listing of upcoming events at the Doukhobor Dugout House historic site near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan in 2008, which include: Doukhobor wedding re-enactments and renewals, Dedushka Day in honour of our grandfathers, site tours, and more. Everyone is welcome!

Several Characteristics of Doukhobor Society, 1805

In 1805, an unknown “gentleman of the highest respectability” in St. Petersburg, Russia composed a sympathetic exposition of the religious and social teachings of the Dukhobortsy. Translated and published in 1815 by Robert Pinkerton, it contains the earliest systematic account of Doukhobor religious doctrine and provides invaluable historic insights into their faith.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery transcriptions have been updated to include new and unmarked burials: Bogdanovka (Cee Pee) Cemetery, Kirilowka Cemetery & Pakrowka (Henrietta) Cemetery, Langham district, SK; Chursinoff Cemetery, Mikado district, SK; USCC (Sion) Cemetery, Grand Forks, BC; Brilliant Cemetery, Brilliant, BC; Ootischenia Cemetery, Ootischenia, BC; Porto Rico Cemetery, Porto Rico, BC; Gilpin Cemetery (No. 2), Gilpin, BC.

Index of Doukhobor Border Crossings from Mexico to USA, 1903-1950

This is an index of border crossings by 38 Doukhobors from Mexico into Texas, USA in transit to Canada between 1903 and 1950. Information includes full name, age, birth date, birthplace, permanent residence, port of arrival and destination. Includes six delegations investigating lands in Mexico for Doukhobor resettlement in 1924, 1929, 1930 and 1931.

Early Memories of Hills, British Columbia

In 1929-1934, eight Independent Doukhobor families from Saskatchewan established a farming hamlet at Hill Siding in the Slocan Valley of British Columbia. Other families of different backgrounds followed, and it soon became a busy lumber village. The following article written by the late George P. Markin (1905-1975) describes some of his early memories of Hills.

The Molokan Arrival in Manitoba, 1905

In 1905, a group of 160 Molokans from Kars, Russia arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba seeking land in the Canadian West to settle on and farm. They aroused widespread interest and curiosity among city residents, and received a hearty welcome from local Doukhobors and Russian émigrés. The account of their stay in Manitoba is taken from the Manitoba Free Press.

Doukhobor Article Published in Saskatchewan History

The article "The Hyas Doukhobor Settlement" by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been published in the latest edition of the prestigious journal Saskatchewan History (Winter 2007 Issue, Volume 59, Number 2). It traces the history of a virtually unknown Doukhobor village and offers a new perspective on Independent Doukhobor settlement. Click here to read article in website format.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 19 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Baranov, Dmitriev, Gibanov, Klement'ev, Kondrashev, Kozodoev, Kudryatsev, Lepekhin, Men'shagin, Neronov, Okovantsev, Perevalov, Perov, Pimenov, Shalimov, Shenyakin, Sukhodolin, Yarovenko, Zamyatin.

My Father, A Doukhobor?

For many years, Terry Terichow was unaware of his ancestral roots. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he was taught that he was Irish and Norwegian – his mother’s nationality – and that his father was a Turk. Then, on a fateful trip to British Columbia in 1970 to visit distant relatives, he discovered a hidden family secret. His father was a Doukhobor! Read about his story here.

The Novgorod Doukhobor Elder, 1796

In his autobiography, Russian writer and thinker Alexander Ivanovich Herzen relates the story of a Novogorod Doukhobor elder who in 1796, when summoned before the soon to be crowned Tsar Paul (1754-1801), refused to doff his cap. For his impertinence, the insecure and unstable Tsar had the unfortunate Doukhobor immediately exiled and imprisoned.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 40 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Antipov, Arinin, Babakov, Baranov, Boldin, Burov, Vetrov, Glazov, Goryanov, Gritsik, Drachev, Zheltkov, Kazeev, Korolev, Kastryulin, Kasymsky, Kudelin, Kuksov, Kucherov, Lazev, Lebeshev, Legenko, Lobachev, Maslov, Nevskov, Neudakhin, Pominov, Poroshin, Radchenko, Soborov, Sosin, Strekalov, Tikunov, Tyrnov, Uvarov, Ushakov, Fomichev, Khynikin, Shemelev, Shnyakin.

Update - Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1931

This listing has been updated to include the groom's name, bride's name, place, date, registration number and microfilm number of 24 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia in 1931. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from records from the British Columbia Marriage Registration Index.

The Mounted Police and the Doukhobors in Saskatchewan, 1899-1909

In documenting Mounted Police confrontations with the Doukhobors during their first decade in Saskatchewan, from 1899 to 1909, historian Carl Betke demonstrates how the disruptive activities of a minority of the Doukhobor immigrants were handled gently and tolerantly in order to assure the agricultural production of a massive number of effective farmers.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Pass Creek Doukhobor Cemetery, Pass Creek, BC; Doukhobors in the Valley View Cemetery, Agassiz, BC.

The Doukhobors of Georgia

This photo gallery by Agnes Montanari, a French documentary photographer living in Tbilisi contains 41 recent photos of the Doukhobors living in the Republic of Georgia. Includes scenes of Gorelovka village; the Mogilochki; the Peshcherochki; a Moleniye service; Doukhobor agricultural activities; and more.  

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 25 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Babanin, Balychev, Bulgakov, Burnashev, Dunaev, Gontarenkov, Kostikov, Mzhachev, Nemakhov, Nikishev, Ordikov, Stangvilov, Starodubtsev, Studenikin, Sulanov, Tsyplakov, Tulikov, Zabrodin, Zdvizhkov, Zhdanov, Zheltenkov, Zhernoklev, Zhilaev, Zlotov, Zvezdilin.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Virtual Saskatchewan Online Magazine; Bill Barry's People, Places; Glenbow Museum; A Guide to Archival Repositories in British Columbia; Travel.bc.ca; ProudGrandparents; and more.

Religion and Tradition in the Cultural Landscape of the Saskatchewan Doukhobors

Like other immigrant groups, the Doukhobors created cultural landscapes on the Prairies that reflected their traditions and values. The following case study by Carl J. Tracie examines the role of religion and tradition in the cultural landscapes of the Doukhobors in the Saskatchewan Colony and in the North and South Colonies of Saskatchewan.

Student Seeks Participants from Across Canada to Broaden Research

Are you interested in Doukhobor pasts, presents, and futures in Canada? Would you like to share your views on the importance that memory has in contemporary visions of Doukhoborism? Learn about University of Toronto Master's student Sonya White's broadened research initiative on Doukhobor memory, history and healing and how you can participate.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Gromovoe Cemetery, Pelly district, SK; Vosnesenie Cemetery, Arran district, SK; Tikhomirnoe Cemetery, Arran district, SK.

Forced Doukhobor Schooling in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the Doukhobors’ strong communalism and great hesitancy about the larger society, combined with the rigid approach of the provincial government, resulted in decades-long conflict over education. The following article by William Janzen examines the forced schooling of Doukhobors in British Columbia during 1909-1913, 1914-1927 and 1927-1959.

Update - Origin & Meaning of Molokan Surnames - Cyrillic Spellings Added

By popular demand, Russian (Cyrillic) spellings have been added to the over 513 surname entries in the "Origin & Meaning of Molokan Surnames".  This handy reference work is now even more useful, allowing researchers to identify the original spelling of their Molokan surnames as they occur in Russia and Russian-language records.

Update - Doukhobor Ship List Index

The index of Doukhobor Ship Lists has been updated to include the ship name, line, date and port of arrival and departure, number of Doukhobor passengers and microfilm references for the following voyages: SS Umbria (New York, 1904); SS Canada (Quebec, 1911); SS Ionian (Quebec, 1912); SS Royal Edward (Halifax, 1912); SS Antonia (Quebec, 1924); SS Cameronia (Halifax, 1925); SS Arabic (Halifax, 1925); SS Empress of Scotland (Quebec, 1925); SS Western World (New York, 1926); SS Andania (Quebec, 1927); SS Paris (New York, 1928).

Update - Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

The index of Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions has been updated to include entries and pictures of the following eight new ships: SS Paris; SS Andania; SS Western World; SS Umbria; SS Empress of Scotland; SS Antonia; SS Arabic; and SS Cameronia.

Update - Doukhobor Ship Passenger Surname Index

The Ship Passenger Surname Index has been updated to include the following Doukhobor immigrant names: Chivil'deev (SS Paris); Goncharov (SS Andania); Astafurov (SS Ionian #3); Savenkov (SS Royal Edward #2); Dergausov (SS Umbria, SS Western World); Vereshchagin (SS Canada #3); Semenov (SS Empress of Scotland); Popov (SS Antonia, SS Western World); Kabatov (SS Arabic); Gor'kov (SS Cameronia; Strelyaev (SS Cameronia); Kazakov (SS Cameronia); Malakhov (SS Cameronia, SS Western World); Konkin (SS Ausonia #3); Kazakov (SS La Bourdonnais #2); Svetlichnov (SS Western World).

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Glade (Plodorodnoe) Doukhobor Cemetery, Glade, BC.

Update - Origin & Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames - Cyrillic Spellings Added

By popular demand, Russian (Cyrillic) spellings have been added to the over 570 surname entries in the "Origin & Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames".  This landmark reference work by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is now even more useful, allowing researchers to identify the original spelling of their Doukhobor surnames as they occur in Russia and Russian-language records.

Ivan Vladimirovich Lopukhin: His Life and Role in Doukhobor History

The following is a brief biographical sketch of Ivan Vladimirovich Lopukhin (1756-1816), Russian statesman, philosopher, writer, educator and philanthropist. A sympathizer and benefactor of the Doukhobors, he intervened with Tsarist authorities on their behalf and masterminded their resettlement to the Molochnaya region in Tavria. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

More About the History of the Dukhobortsy of Kharkov Province

The following rare, historic account outlines the history of the Dukhoborty of Sloboda-Ukraine (Kharkov) province, Russia, from their exile to Siberia and the Baltic in the 1790's, to their return to Kharkov in 1801 and renewed persecution, to their resettlement to the Molochnaya region in Tavria in 1802. By V.I. Savva, translated by Vera Kanigan and Jack McIntosh.

New Doukhobor Historical Novel - "Svoboda" by Bill Stenson

Langford, BC novelist Bill Stenson has written a new Doukhobor historical novel. "Svoboda" follows the life of Vasili Saprikin, a young Doukhobor living in the Kootenays who is seperated from his family and forced to attend a residential school at New Denver.  The book follows the family's struggle to adapt to Canadian culture and society.

Update - Links

Mon-Photo - Caslegar contains dozens of photographs, descriptions and information about Castlegar, British Columbia including Zuckerberg Island and the Doukhobor Village Museum, as well as surrounding communities in the Kootenays. 

Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

Are you seeking information about the ships that brought your Doukhobor immigrant ancestors to Canada? Visit this index to learn about the physical dimensions, builders, launches, shipping lines, shipping routes, name changes, wreck and salvage data, pictures, and other information for over 54 Doukhobor immigrant ships. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Winlaw Doukhobor Cemetery, Winlaw, BC.

"New" Section Added

The Doukhobor Genealogy Website is updated regularly to bring you the most recent and interesting family history information. In order to assist you in locating the latest additions, this new, user-friendly "New" section has been added to the site. You can access this page from the sliding menu bar on the right side of the screen.

A Fading Minority: The Doukhobors' Continued Struggle for Survival

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of Georgia's Doukhobors resettled to Russia.  Those who remained became minorities in their own villages.  Now, those who are left are applying for Russian citizenship.  Should they leave, it is feared that ethnic disputes may erupt between their Armenian and Georgian neighbours. By Hedvig Lohm & Ilya Chkhutishvili.

Doukhobor Memory - Masters Research By Sonya White

Are you interested in Doukhobor pasts, presents, and futures in Canada? Would you like to share your views on the importance that memory has in contemporary visions of Doukhoborism? Learn about University of Toronto Master's student Sonya White's research on Doukhobor memory, history and healing and how you can participate in her research interview.

Brilliant History - Fading Into Obscurity

In the following article, William M. Rozinkin documents the history of the "Besedushka", the stately “retreat house” built for Peter “Lordly” Verigin by his followers in Brilliant, British Columbia in 1922. In the quiet atmosphere of its location, the Doukhobor leader spent time writing and meditating. However, it was destroyed by arson in 1924.

05 Sep 2007

A Visit with the Doukhobors of Irkutsk

In 1891, Russian writer Nikolai Astyrev visited the village of Kotinskoye in northern Irkutsk. The population was predominantly Orthodox, but the village did serve as the sole point of the weak development of Doukhoborism in the province. He provides a rare glimpse of this small, isolated group of Doukhobors. Translated by Jack McIntosh for the Doukhobor Genealogy Website.

01 Sep 2007

The Mystery of Terpenie's Buried Treasure

In 1963, a Ukrainian workman discovered a large hoard of Imperial Russian coins buried on a hillside in the village of Terpenie in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. All the evidence - the dates of the coins, the size of the hoard, and its location – strongly suggests that the coins were buried by Doukhobors prior to their expulsion in 1841-1845. By Alexander Chukhraenko.

31 Aug 2007

Village-Surname-Village Index for the 1905 Doukhobor Census

The following index (by village-surname or by surname-village) contains a listing of surnames that appear in each Doukhobor village in the 1905 census. Researchers can use this index to find out where Doukhobor families were living in 1905, and to decide where (in which villages) to start searching in the census records.

25 Aug 2007

Update - Doukhobor Historical Maps

The following detailed maps have been added to the online Doukhobor historical map collection: Brilliant, British Columbia; Ootischenia, British Columbia; Doukhobor Settlements in Tambov, Russia.

22 Aug 2007

Update - Local Histories Index

The Local Histories Index has been updated to include seven more local history books containing group settlement history and detailed family biographies: Langham (SK), Hyas (SK), Yorkton (SK), Ebeneezer (SK), Hafford (SK), Dydland (SK), Vulcan (AB).

22 Aug 2007

Search Function Added to Menu Bar

A link to the Google-powered site search engine has been added to the menu bar which appears on the right side of the screen on the Doukhobor Genealogy Website. Use it to perform searches and queries of all the data contained on the web site. Quick and easy-to-use for reference and look-ups.  

20 Aug 2007

Doukhobors in the 1920 Cummins Rural Directory of Saskatchewan  

The following is an index of Doukhobor landowners that appear in the 1920 Cummins Directory Map for Saskatchewan.  It contains the landowner name, legal land description, post office district and map number for 1,654 quarter-sections, comprising 264,640 acres of land, owned and farmed by Doukhobors. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

15 Aug 2007

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Doukhobor Talks; Worldisround: National Heritage Doukhobor Village; The Canadian Encyclopaedia; Manitoba Life and Times; Saskatchewan Western Development Museum; Peel’s Prairie Provinces; Slocanvalley.com; Rodstvo.ru; Russkie Familii; Translit.ru; Onlinenewspapers.com; Google Book Search; Wikipedia; Deacure and Davis (and Salikin) Family Tree Genealogy; Mapquest.com; Slocan Valley (Doukhobor) Cooperative; Baba’s Home Cooking; Victoria Doukhobor Choir (MySpace.com); Doukhobor Hymns & Songs; Brilliant Suspension Bridge; and more!  

15 Aug 2007

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

12 Aug 2007

Documentary Series - Courage of the Doukhobors

The Doukhobors have been featured in a new, three-part documentary entitled "The Courage of the Doukhobors".  With extensive interview footage of writer Koozma J. Tarasoff, the "Courage of the Doukhobors" highlights the vegetarianism practiced by some Doukhobors in Canada as part of the series "Vegetarianism A Noble Way of Living".

05 Aug 2007

Family Names in British Columbia Doukhobor Settlements, 1930s-1950s

The following is a list of families who lived in the former CCUB and surrounding settlements in the Grand Forks, Castlegar and Slocan Valley areas of British Columbia, from the 1930s to the 1950s. Based on groundbreaking fieldwork, it is a tremendous resource for family research.  Written by Mike W. Popoff with Jonathan J. Kalmakoff for the Doukhobor Genealogy Website.

01 Aug 2007

A Doukhobor Wedding Dress

In 1867, a wedding dress was handmade and worn in a traditional Doukhobor wedding ceremony in the Caucasus, Russia.  After, it was carefully preserved and passed down through the generations.  Today, over 140 years later, the garment is part of the extensive collection at the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum. By Leslee Newman.

01 Aug 2007

New Book Traces History of Langham, Saskatchewan and District

A new local history book entitled “Langham & District History, 1907-2007” traces the history of Langham, Saskatchewan from its origins as a small prairie railway siding, through its incorporation as a town, to its development into a modern centre.  Contains general settlement history of the Doukhobors and detailed biographies of Doukhobor families. 

31 Jul 2007

Georgian Doukhobors Relocate to Tambov, Russia

57 Doukhobors have relocated from the Bogdanovka region of the Republic of Georgia to the Pervomayskiy district of Tambov province, Russia as part of a state-sponsored program to voluntarily repatriate Russians residing in former Soviet republics.  Their families, up to 760 Doukhobors, are expected to join them from Georgia by September. 

20 Jul 2007

Memories of Blaine Lake and Area

The following exhibition of black and white photographs was taken by Dr. Nicholas Zbitnoff (1902-1987), Doukhobor philosopher, traveler, genealogist and photographer, during his visits to Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan in 1965 and 1966. It captures his memories, reminiscences and perspectives of the people and place.

15 Jul 2007

Childhood Memories

Alexey I. Popov was born in 1876 in Novo-Troitskoe village, Elizavetpol. At the age of 2, he and his family immigrated to the territory known as Kars near the Turkish border. There, he lived in the village of Spasovka until manhood. Years later, he recounted his Doukhobor childhood in his memoirs. Translated and published by his grandson Eli A. Popoff.  

11 Jul 2007

Doukhobor Dugout House Unveils Monument Commemorating Oospenia Spring

On July 11, 2007, at its season opening ceremony, the Doukhobor Dugout House unveiled a stone monument commemorating Oospenia Spring and the Doukhobor pioneers who settled near it.  To find out more about this heritage event, read the following Press Release. 

05 Jul 2007

Index of Doukhobor Military Conscripts Exiled to Yakutsk, Siberia, 1895-1905

The result of groundbreaking research by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, this index contains the full name, patronymic, surname, birth year, village and province of origin, category of exile and comments for each of the 124 Doukhobors from the Caucasus, Russia who were imprisoned and subsequently exiled to Yakutsk, Siberia in 1895-1905 for refusing military service. 

26 Jun 2007

Wanted: Volunteer for GPS Fieldwork in British Columbia

Volunteer contributors are needed to perform fieldwork recording geographic coordinates of historic Doukhobor village. Handheld GPS and digital camera required, along with some local travel. Support a major new Doukhobor Genealogy Website initiative to develop comprehensive interactive maps and satellite images of Doukhobor historic sites.

20 Jun 2007

Good Spirit Lake Annex - Historical Tour

On Saturday, June 20, 2007, the National Heritage Doukhobor Village hosted a guided motor coach tour of Doukhobor historical sites, landmarks and points of interest in the Good Spirit Lake and Buchanan areas of Saskatchewan.  Read this Press Release to learn more about this unique heritage tour.

12 Jun 2007

Doukhobor Deaths Registered in Saskatchewan, 1899-1917

This is an index of 93 Doukhobors whose deaths were registered with provincial authorities between 1899 and 1917.  Information contained in this index includes:  full name, sex, date of death, location of death, father's name, mother's name and registration number.  Compiled from records from the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Index. 

06 Jun 2007

Survey of 23 Published Films on the Doukhobors

Koozma J. Tarasoff has prepared a useful and interesting survey and collection of short reveiws of published films on the Doukhobors. The films are published and available to the public for purchase or at libraries, and some were made for television.

03 Jun 2007

Doukhobors Featured at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences

The Doukhobors were among the topics featured at the 76th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences held at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from May 26 to June 2, 2007.  Read this Press Release to learn more about this unique multidisciplinary academic event, Doukhobor speakers and topics.

03 Jun 2007

Place Names of Early Doukhobor Settlements in Saskatchewan, 1899-1907

The following is an abstract of the paper "Place Names of Early Doukhobor Settlement in Saskatchewan, 1899-1907" presented by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff at the 2007 Humanities and Social Sciences. It examines the Saskatchewan Doukhobor village names from this period and classifies them according to their meanings and mechanisms of origin.

01 Jun 2007

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Terpenia (No. 1) & Spasovka (No. 1) cemeteries, Blaine Lake, SK.

28 May 2007

Doukhobors in the Grosse Isle Hospital Registers, 1899-1912

Between 1899 and 1912, over 2,465 Doukhobor immigrants were quarantined at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec upon their arrival in Canada. Of these, 235 were hospitalized due to disease and illness. This index contains the full name, age, date of admission and date of release of Doukhobors hospitalized at Grosse Isle.

28 May 2007

Update - Doukhobor Births Registered in Saskatchewan, 1899-1907

This listing has been updated to include the full name, date of birth, location of birth, father's name, mother's name and registration number of 207 Doukhobor births registered in Saskatchewan in 1907. Compiled from records from the Saskatchewan Birth Index.

28 May 2007

Index of Doukhobor Border Crossings in Michigan, 1920-1956

This is an index to border crossings of 90 Doukhobors arriving at Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie and Port Huron in the U.S. state of Michigan for permanent residence and temporary visits between 1920 and 1956. Information includes: full name, age, birth date, birthplace, last residence, port of arrival, destination and microfilm number.

28 May 2007

Index of Doukhobor Border Crossings in Washington & Idaho, 1917-1924

This is an index to border crossings of 513 Doukhobors arriving in the states of Washington and Idaho for permanent residence in the U.S. between 1917 and 1924. Information includes: full name, age, birth date, birthplace, last residence, port of arrival, destination and microfilm number.

28 May 2007

Doukhobor World War II Project

The purpose of this project is to compile, for historical and genealogical purposes, as complete a list as possible of those men and women of Doukhobor ancestry who enlisted and served in the Canadian Forces during World War II. Learn about the project, its current status, and how you can contribute.

28 May 2007

Index of Doukhobors in the WWII Canadian Forces, 1939-1945

This partial index contains the full name, address, force and service comments for 213 (to-date) Doukhobor service men and women in the Canadian forces between 1939 and 1945. Compiled from various sources, this is a work in progress.

28 May 2007

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Shoreacres Cemetery – Shoreacres, BC;  Hilliers Doukhobor Cemetery – Hilliers, BC.

28 May 2007

Update - Doukhobor Historical Maps

The following detailed maps have been added to the online Doukhobor historical map collection: Early Doukhobor Exiles in Russia, 1762-1802; Doukhobors in Russia, 1802; Doukhobor Resettlement to Tavria, 1802-1822; Doukhobor Exile to the Caucasus, 1841-1845.

28 May 2007

Blahoslovenie Creek Commemorates Kylemore Doukhobors

A creek near Kylemore, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the Doukhobor settlers of the area. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Blahoslovenie Creek, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board.

28 May 2007

Frequency of Doukhobor Names in Saskatchewan in 1905

This study presents data on the frequency of men’s names, women’s names and surnames found among the Doukhobors in Saskatchewan in 1905. The study shows the popularity and variety of personal names at this time. It also shows the absolute and relative size of families bearing a particular surname. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

28 May 2007

Doukhobor Interfaith Relations in South Ukraine, Late 18th & Early 19th Century

In this Doukhobor Genealogy Website exclusive, Anastasia Buchna, a Postgraduate of the State University of Zaporozhia in Ukraine, explores the influence of inter-creed relations on the belief system and socioeconomic life of the Doukhobors, based on archival records from the State Archives of Crimea and other Russian and Ukrainian language sources.

28 May 2007

Conversation Between Rector of Nevsky Seminary and Kharkov Dukhobortsy, 1792

The following is an historic record of the conversation between the rector of Alexander Nevsky Seminary in St. Petersburg and three Doukhobors from Kharkov in 1792. Reproduced from Robert Pinkerton, “Russia: or, Miscellaneous Observations on the Past and Present State of that Country and its Inhabitants” (London: Seeley and Sons, 1833).

28 May 2007

My Rejection of Military Service - Letters from the Peasant Petr Vasilyevich Olkhovik

Autobiographical account by Kharkov peasant Petr Vasilyevich Olkhovik of his rejection of military service and arrest, imprisonment and exile by Tsarist authorities in 1895.  His fate, along with that of his companion Kirill Alexeyevich Sereda, would be inextricably linked to that of the Doukhobors. Translated by Jack McIntosh.  

28 May 2007

Wives and Children of the Doukhobors

English translation of the original Russian diary of Prokopy Nestorovich Sokolnikov (1865-1917), a Yakut-born physician who accompanied a party of forty-one Doukhobor women and children on an 11,000-verst journey to Yakutsk to join their husbands and fathers who were exiled there for their rejection of military service.

28 May 2007

Personal Experiences Among the Doukhobors in Canada

Excerpt from “The Doukhobors: Their History in Russia, Their Migration to Canada” by prominent Philadelphia Quaker Joseph Elkinton (1859-1920), outlining his 1902 visit to several Doukhobor villages in the Prince Albert and Yorkton districts and the hospitality and kindness of heart of the people he encountered.

28 May 2007

A Day with the Doukhobors

Reproduced from the 1902 Manitoba Morning Free Press, the following is an detailed account by Jonathan Rhoads, a Quaker visitor from the United States who accompanied an immigration officer from Rosthern to the Doukhobor village of Terpenie near the North Saskatchewan River, along with his personal experiences, observations and impressions.

28 May 2007

Doukhobor Architecture: An Introduction

The following article by F. Mark Mealing Ph.D., describes and comments upon the five distinctive periods of Doukhobor architectural forms of which we have a record: Russian, Saskatchewan Community Village, British Columbia Communal Structures, Transition and Present, and the ideological and folk life traditions which inspired them.

28 May 2007

Visit to the Doukhobors

Reproduced from the 1902 Manitoba Morning Free Press, the following is an a detailed and sympathetic account of the Doukhobors of the North Colony, extolling their prosperity and progress, social customs, skills, industry, work ethic, and charity, homes, buildings and yards, and other positive characteristics.  The message: “Leave the Doukhobors Alone!”

28 May 2007

1904 Report of the General Meeting of the Doukhobor Community

The following is a rare extant report of the general meeting of the Doukhobor Community held at Nadezhda village, Saskatchewan, on February 28, 1904, as published in the Yorkton Enterprise, Vol. 8, No. 16, April 21, 1904. The minutes provide extraordinary insight into the administrative and financial matters along with the current issues of the day.

28 May 2007

Early Doukhobor Experience on the Canadian Prairies

The prairie frontier is usually seen as an open society. Yet, the Doukhobor experience seriously challenges this view. Historian Jeremy Adelman argues that Canada's first attempt at coordinated refugee settlement ended in failure not because of the "fanaticism" and "zealotry" of the Doukhobors, but rather due to cultural insensitivity.

28 May 2007

1906 Report of the General Meeting of the Doukhobor Community

The following is a rare extant report of the general meeting of the Doukhobor Community held at Nadezhda village, Saskatchewan, on February 16, 1906, as published in the Manitoba Morning Free Press, Wednesday, April 25, 1906. The minutes provide extraordinary insight into the administrative, financial and current issues of the day.

28 May 2007

The (Almost) Quiet Revolution: Doukhobor Schooling in Saskatchewan

This article by John Lyons examines the provision of public education for Saskatchewan Doukhobors.  After surveying some aspects of provincial school policies, the article deals with each of the three Doukhobor sub-sects, the impact of these policies on them and the circumstances surrounding their eventual acceptance of public schooling.

28 May 2007

Molokan Immigration Via Canada

Recent archival discoveries confirm that approximately two hundred Molokan immigrants - over five per-cent of all Molokans who joined the migration to North America - arrived through east Canadian ports between 1904 and 1907, then journeyed overland by rail through Canada before turning stateside to their destination in Los Angeles, California.

28 May 2007

Doukhobors in Georgia

This paper by Hedvig Lohm studies the issue of land ownership and inter-ethnic relations among the Doukhobors, Armenians and Georgians of Ninotsminda rayon (district), in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. It provides one of the most thorough and comprehensive synopsis of the Georgian Doukhobors today.

28 May 2007

Update - Links

A number of new links have been added to interesting and useful websites, including: Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan; Albertasource.com: Alberta’s Online Encyclopedia; Encyclopedia of British Columbia; Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online; Culture.ca; Dukhobor.ru (a new Russian Doukhobor website); and more!

28 May 2007

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

27 May 2007

Passing of Prominent Doukhobors Noted

Noting the recent passing of several prominent Doukhobor pioneers, Koozma J. Tarasoff pauses to give thanks to those pioneers who have made a difference and who will be missed.

22 Apr 2007

Doukhobor Genealogy Website - Volunteer Opportunities

The Doukhobor Genealogy Website depends on volunteers for all of its ongoing projects and activities. Plan to become involved! The Doukhobor Genealogy Website currently needs volunteers in many areas, including writing, data input, website design and programming, editing and proofreading, project management, and much more.

04 Mar 2007

National Heritage Doukhobor Village - Veregin, SK - 2007 Events

The following is a listing of 2007 upcoming events at the National Heritage Doukhobor Village in Veregin, Saskatchewan, including: moleniye prayer services, potluck lunches, historic tours, Museum Appreciation Day, Peter’s Day, Heritage Day, Guitar Day and more.

- 2006 -

14 Dec 2006

1959 USCC Membership List - Slocan Valley

This listing contains information on 164 Doukhobor members of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ living in Slocan Valley, British Columbia. Taken in 1959, it includes full name (including middle initial), age, birthdate and membership dues for each person.

14 Dec 2006

Doukhobor Deaths in Manitoba, 1899-1935

This listing contains the full name, date of death, age, place of death and file registration number of 74 Doukhobors who died in Manitoba between 1899 and 1935. Compiled from records from the Province of Manitoba Department of Vital Statistics.

14 Dec 2006

English-Russian-English Name Cross-Index

The following indices will allow you to cross-reference the original Russian names of your Doukhobor immigrant ancestors with their most common adopted English names. Cross-indexed from English to Russian and from Russian to English name.

14 Dec 2006

Index of Russian Genealogical Terms

This index contains over 1,000 Russian terms relating to family, kinship and gender; records and archives; geographic features and places; weights and measures; dates and calendars; numbers; occupations; nationality, religion and class; and genealogy. Organized by subject-matter with transliterated Russian terms and English translations/interpretations.

14 Dec 2006

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

To date, of the one hundred and twelve cemeteries in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia: eighty-four are complete and available online; eighteen cemetery transcriptions are in progress; and ten cemeteries require adoption by volunteers for transcription. To find out how you can contribute to this worthwhile project, visit the following link.

14 Dec 2006

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials:  Khlebodarnoe, Bogomdannoe, Lebedevo, Lyubomirnoe, Mikhailovka, Pokrovskoe, Osvobozhdenie, Troitskoe, Uspenie, Bogdanovka (Cee Pee), Pakrowka (Henrietta), Kirilowka, Tambovka,  Haralowka, Ospenia, Pazaraevka (No. 1), Pazaraevka (No. 2), Petrofka, Spasovka (No. 2), Slavanka,  Terpenia (Brook Hill), Trinity (Troitskoe), Riverview, United Doukhobors of Alberta, Brilliant, Sleepy Hollow (Ubezhishche), Porto Rico, Perry Siding (Persikovoe), Salmo and Verigin’s Memorial Park.

14 Dec 2006

Discovering Our Doukhobor Roots

Who are we? Where do we come from? Who are our ancestors? How did they live? What were their beliefs? Why did they come to Canada? When did they arrive? Where did they settle? How did we get where we are, and what does that tell us about ourselves? Today, more than ever, we are pondering these questions. All to one end: to discover who we are.

14 Dec 2006

Oospenia Spring Commemorates Doukhobor Pioneers

A spring near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the Doukhobor settlers of the area. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Oospenia Spring, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board.

14 Dec 2006

Holidays and Rituals of Doukhobors in the Caucasus

Russian ethnographer and archivist Svetlana A. Inikova explores the holiday rituals and customs of the Doukhobors in the Caucasus, based on her ethnographic field work among the Doukhobors in the Republic of Georgia in the nineteen nineties. Translated from the original Russian by Koozma J. Tarasoff with additional editing by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

14 Dec 2006

Calendar of Doukhobor Holidays in the Caucasus

The following is a calendar of holidays celebrated by Doukhobors in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century Caucasus, including their Russian and equivalent English names, the new style (Gregorian) and old style (Julian) calendar dates on which they occurred and a summary explanation of their religious and folk significance.

14 Dec 2006

Columbia River Corridor - Doukhobor Culture and Heritage Plan

Developed by Integrated Environmental Planning Program student Jayme Hadikin, this plan provides information on the current conditions of Doukhobor historic sites, Russian language usage, Doukhobor food, and recorded Doukhobor history.  It also makes recommendations for preserving the Doukhobor legacy for future generations.

14 Dec 2006

Georgia: The Last Collective Farm

Already under pressure from their Armenian and Georgian neighbours, land reform may be the last straw for Georgia's Doukhobor community as their collective farm - the only one in Georgia left over from Soviet times - is broken up. By Olesya Vartanian, foreign correspondent in Gorelovka, Georgia.

14 Dec 2006

Spiritual Origins and the Beginnings of Doukhobor History

The following is a keynote address given by Russian ethnographer and archivist Svetlana A. Inikova at the Doukhobor Centenary Conference, held at the University of Ottawa on October 22-24, 1999. Based on previously unknown documents, it reveals new and important insights into the spiritual origins and early history of the Doukhobors in Russia.

14 Dec 2006

Sketch of a Doukhobor Prisoner in Siberia

The following is a description of a drawing from an artist’s sketchbook, unknown and inaccessible for over a century, of a Doukhobor prisoner in Siberia. The discovery of this rare work will be of interest to those researching the exile of Doukhobor military conscripts who refused military service following the historic Burning of Arms.

14 Dec 2006

New Designation Recognizes Doukhobors at Veregin, Saskatchewan

The Doukhobors at Veregin, Saskatchewan have been officially recognized for their national historic significance to Canada. Read this Press Release to learn more about the group of four original Doukhobor buildings designated by the Minister Responsible for Parks Canada as national historic sites.

14 Dec 2006

Sergey Tolstoy and the Doukhobors: The Halifax Quarantine

On January 4, 1899, Sergey L. Tolstoy sailed from the Black Sea port of Batoum aboard the SS Lake Superior bound for Halifax, escorting 2,300 Doukhobors to Canada. 23 days later, the ship arrived at the mouth of Halifax Harbour and underwent quarantine.  The following article by Dr. Ian Cameron recounts their winter quarantine at Lawlor's Island.

14 Dec 2006

Update - The Hyas Doukhobor Settlement

Among the first settlers in the Hyas district of Saskatchewan were the Doukhobors. Attracted by homestead lands and the promise of a railroad, the Russian pacifists arrived in 1902 to establish the unincorporated village of Vozvyshenie. For five years, they lived, prayed and worked there, transforming the prairie wilderness into productive farmland.

14 Dec 2006

Update - Links

New links to useful and interesting websites: Dukhoborcheskaya Obshchina, Genetic Genealogy, Saskatchewan Settlement Experience, Virtual Museum of Canada, The Atlas of Canada, Yellowbook.com, Wikipedia, Behind the Name, Pobediteli - Soldiers of the Great War, WorldCat, the Slavic Research Group, Meeting of Frontiers, Yandex and more.

14 Dec 2006

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

03 Dec 2006

Blogspot - Acclaimed Doukhobor Writer, Vi Plotnikoff, Dead at 68

Please visit the following blog for a touching tribute by writer Linda Lee Crossfield in honour of acclaimed Doukhobor writer, Vi Plotnikoff, who died this past week of a brain tumour at age sixty-eight.

22 Sep 2006

Doukhobor Genealogy Website - New Favicon

As you may have noticed, the Doukhobor Genealogy Website now has its own Favicon. Its own what, you may say?  The Favicon is graphical and help in terms of identifying the Doukhobor Genealogy Website among your (presumably many!) favorite sites.

21 Sep 2006

Call for Submissions - Doukhobor Genealogy Website

Have genealogical or historical stories and materials? Share them online on the oldest, largest and most comprehensive Doukhobor website on the Internet!  Submissions of original materials may range from stories, family tree research, autobiographies, essays, announcements, press releases, photo-essays, genealogical or historical projects.

15 Sep 2006

New Website - Saskatchewan Settlement Experiences

The Saskatchewan Archives Board and the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society are launching a new website that allows people from around the globe to experience the joys and sorrows of Saskatchewan s first settlers.

24 Jun 2006

Peter's Day (June 29) - National Doukhobor Heritage Museum - Veregin, SK

The National Doukhobor Heritage Village invites our Doukhobor Brothers and Sisters from everywhere to commemorate the historic Peter's Day celebration with a moleniye service followed by a potluck lunch.

24 Jun 2006

Historical Tour of North Colony Villages Planned - July 15, 2006

The National Doukhobor Heritage Village invites our Doukhobor Brothers and Sisters from everywhere to an historical tour of the Doukhobor North Colony village and heritage sites in the Pelly, Arran, Whitebeech and Thunderhill districts of Saskatchewan on July 15, 2006.

27 May 2006

Doukhobors in the 1900 US Federal Census

This listing contains information on 19 Doukhobors (and affiliated Stundists) living in Siskimou County, California on June 1, 1900. Information includes the full name, relation to head of household, date and year of birth, year of immigration to US and occupation.

27 May 2006

Doukhobors in the 1910 US Federal Census

This listing contains information on 34 Doukhobors living in Kern and Los Angeles County, California on April 15, 1910. Information includes the full name, relation to head of household, age, year of immigration to US, occupation and industry.

27 May 2006

Doukhobors in the 1920 US Federal Census

This listing contains information on 69 Doukhobors living in Fergus County, Montana; Mulnomah County, Oregon; and Glenn, Butte, Sutter and Kern County, California on January 1, 1920. Information includes the full name, relation to head of household, age, year of immigration to US, occupation and industry.

27 May 2006

Update - Doukhobors in the 1930 US Federal Census

Census information on 451 Doukhobors living in Wayne County, MI; Cook County, IL; Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, Polk, Lane and Marion County, OR; Humboldt, Mendocino, Glenn, Butte, Sutter, Yuba, Sacramento, Solano, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey, Kern and Los Angeles County, CA on April 1, 1930.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Births in California, 1905-1995

This listing contains the full name, date of birth, county of birth and mother's maiden name of 741 Doukhobors and their descendants born in California between 1905 and 1995. Compiled from records from the State of California Department of Health Services.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Deaths in California, 1940-1997

This listing contains the full name, sex, date and place of birth, date and place of death and mother's maiden name of 280 Doukhobors and their descendants who died in California between 1940 and 1997. Compiled from records from the State of California Department of Health Services.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Deaths in Oregon, 1903-1998

This listing contains the full name, date of death, county of death and certificate number of 51 Doukhobors who died in Oregon between 1903 and 1998. Compiled from records from the Oregon State Archives and Records Center.

27 May 2006

US Doukhobor Draft Registrations in World War One, 1917-1918

This listing contains the full name, birth date, race, birth place and place of registration of twelve Doukhobor men in the US between 1917 and 1918. Compiled from records from the US National Archives and Records Administration.

27 May 2006

US Doukhobor Enlistments in World War Two, 1938-1946

This listing contains the full name, year of birth, place of birth, date of enlistment and state of enlistment of 30 Doukhobor servicemen in the US between 1938 and 1946. Compiled from records from the US National Archives and Records Administration.

27 May 2006

Update - Doukhobor Births Registered in Saskatchewan, 1899-1906

This listing has been updated to include the full name, date of birth, location of birth, father's name, mother's name and registration number of 181 Doukhobor births registered in Saskatchewan in 1906. Compiled from records from the Saskatchewan Birth Index.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1930

This listing contains the full name of the groom and bride, date, location, and registration number of 315 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia between 1909 and 1930. Compiled from records from the British Columbia Archives Marriage Registration Index.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Changes of Name in Alberta, 1935-1975

This listing contains information on official changes of name by 157 Doukhobors in Alberta from 1935 to 1975, as publicly advertised in the Alberta Gazette, the official newspaper of the Government of Alberta. Information includes original name, new name, address and date of gazette publication.

27 May 2006

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

To date, of the 109 cemeteries in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia: fifty-four are complete and available online; twenty-one cemetery transcriptions are in progress; and thirty-three cemeteries require adoption by volunteers for transcription. To find out how you can contribute to this worthwhile project, visit the following link.

27 May 2006

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Besednoe Cemetery, Canora District, SK; Gilpin (No. 1) Cemetery, Gilpin, BC; Slocan Park Doukhobor Cemetery, Slocan Park, BC.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Immigration: The Potato Dilemma

The following article by Victor O. Buyniak examines one aspect of the settlement of the Doukhobors in Canada in 1898-1899: the exigency of providing foodstuffs, namely potatoes, for the vegetarian settlers arriving in large numbers on the Prairies in winter. It documents the efforts of immigration officials to coordinate the necessary arrangements.

27 May 2006

The Doukhobor Trek

The story of how four large groups of Doukhobors were handed across Canada by train from district to district in 1899 is a mission, the details of whose drama has never been fully appreciated. It necessitated a monumental piece of fast organizing and is told in remarkable detail in the records of the Department of the Interior. By Betty Ward.

27 May 2006

The Hyas Doukhobor Settlement

Among the first settlers in the Hyas district of Saskatchewan were the Doukhobors. Attracted by homestead lands and the promise of a railroad, the Russian pacifists arrived in 1902 to establish the unincorporated village of Vozvyshenie. For five years, they lived, prayed and worked there, transforming the prairie wilderness into productive farmland.

27 May 2006

Russell Holoboff: Memories of the Holoboff Family

Russell A. Holoboff (1918-1991) was born in Veregin, Saskatchewan to Doukhobor parents.  In 1922, he accompanied his family to Los Angeles, California seeking a better life and warmer climate.  Life stateside, however, proved to be disappointing, and in 1929, he returned with his family to Veregin. Read about his childhood in his memoirs.

27 May 2006

The 1899 Manitoba & Northwestern Railway Dispute with the Doukhobors

On arriving on the Prairies in 1899, the Doukhobors sought employment to supplement their income.  Railway construction was the major source of work for most able bodied men.  However, disputes initially arose between the Doukhobors and railway companies, due to inadequate knowledge of each other and mutual mistrust.  By Victor O. Buyniak.

27 May 2006

The Doukhobors in 1904

The early years of Doukhobor settlement in Canada were turbulent and emotional.  But by 1904, the dissension and disorder of the early years, caused by lack of leadership, fear of governmental interference and the radicals within the sect had been replaced by a firm sense of purpose under the leadership of Peter "Lordly" Verigin. By Patricia L. McCormick.

27 May 2006

Thirty Years Ago

30 years ago, Annie Barnes wrote down the names of her mother's family, the Kazakoffs, on a single sheet of paper.  She would later come to regret that she hadn't asked more questions, much earlier, and filled many pages with information.  Like many, she didn't realize how important this history would be until everyone was gone and it was too late.

27 May 2006

Pacifism and Anastasia's Doukhobor Village

Following the death of Peter "Lordly" Verigin in 1924, his companion Anastasia F. Holuboff (1885-1965) was recognized by several hundred Doukhobors as his successor. Anastasia and her followers broke away from the Community and in 1926 moved to the Shouldice district of Alberta where they established a break-away village. By John W. Friesen.

27 May 2006

Doukhobor Memorial Stone from the Village of Bogdanovka

In 1844, the Doukhobors of Bogdanovka village, in Tavria, Russia were exiled for their faith to the Caucasus.  Prior to departing, they erected a stone monument to commemorate their community in the "Promised Land".  Forgotten for over a century, Alexander Chukhraenko examines the rediscovery of the monument and its historic significance.

27 May 2006

Update - Links

New links to useful and interesting websites: The Doukhobor Song Library, The Yasnaya Polyana Estate, Dal' Russian Dictionary Online, MIR Centre for Peace, Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Historic Site, the Doukhobor Dugout House, Archives of Manitoba, Manitoba Historical Society, Multicultural Canada, Explosion on the Kettle Valley Line, and more.

27 May 2006

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

30 Apr 2006

Doukhobor Genealogy, Genetics & Family Health

While many of us research Doukhobor family history out of a love of history and desire to find our place in it, genealogy can also be an important means of learning about your family's medical and health history and determining your genetic predisposition to certain health conditions and diseases. Learn more about this aspect of family history.

7 Dec 2005

Doukhobor Episode - 100 Saskatchewan Stories - TV Series

An interview by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff appears in the footage of the special Doukhobor episode of “100 Saskatchewan Stories”, a 13-part documentary series spanning the history of this province from 1905 to present day. The stories cover the province geographically and span a timeline from SK pioneers who first broke soil, to the present day.

21 Nov 2005

Doukhobor Births Registered in Saskatchewan, 1899-1905

This listing contains the full name, date of birth, place of birth, names of parents (including mother's maiden names) and file numbers of 873 Doukhobors born in Saskatchewan between 1899 and 1905. Compiled from records recently made public by Saskatchewan Vital Statistics, this is an excellent new genealogical resource

21 Nov 2005

Doukhobor Homestead Entries in Saskatchewan

This listing contains the full name, quarter, section, township, range, meridian, remarks and file numbers for 1,670 Doukhobor homestead entries made in Saskatchewan between 1899 to 1930. Researchers may use this finding aid to obtain copies of Doukhobor homestead records from the Saskatchewan Archives Board.

21 Nov 2005

Doukhobor Changes of Name in British Columbia, 1936-1975

This listing contains information on official changes of name by 426 Doukhobors in British Columbia from 1936 to 1975, as publicly advertised in the British Columbia Gazette, the official newspaper of the Government of British Columbia. Information includes original name, new name, address and date of gazette publication.

21 Nov 2005

1953 USCC Membership List - Slocan Park, British Columbia

This listing contains information on 242 USCC members living in Slocan Park, British Columbia. Information includes full name (including middle initial), birthdate, age and dues for each person.

21 Nov 2005

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials:  Semenovka Cemetery, Arran district, SK; Whitebeech Cemetery, Whitebeech, SK; Peaceful Cove Cemetery, Pelly district, SK; Vozvyshenie Cemetery, Hyas district, SK; Alexeyevka, Old Efremovka, Petrovka, Voskrisenie & Lyubovnoe cemeteries, Kamsack district, SK; Tambovka & Vossianie cemeteries, Runnymede district, SK; Nikolayevka, Old Kamenka & Old Terpenie Cemetery, Togo district, SK; Terpenie & Vernoe cemeteries, Veregin district, SK; Canora Cemetery, Canora, SK; Ootischenia Cemetery, Ootischenia, BC; Thrums Cemetery, Thrums, BC; Hills Cemetery, Hills, BC; Outlook (Khristovoe) Cemetery, Grand Forks, BC; Forest Lawn Cemetery, Creston, BC.

21 Nov 2005

Doukhobor Development in the Ebenezer District

Few people would associate Ebenezer, Saskatchewan with the Doukhobors. After all, no Doukhobors ever lived in the small farm community located ten miles north of Yorkton. However, the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood played a significant, if little known, role in the history and development of the village. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

21 Nov 2005

Doukhobors in the Boundary

Woven into the fabric of Grand Forks are many different nationalities, who with their skills, personalities and culture, have enhanced "the Boundary" and given it a character all its own. Of all nationalities, the Doukhobors, by their numbers and distinctive culture have had a more profound effect on the character and life of the Boundary than any other group.

21 Nov 2005

Shining Waters: Doukhobors in the Castlegar Area

Located in the Kootenay region at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, Castlegar is the home of many of British Columbia's Doukhobors. Vi Plotnikoff tells the story of the Doukhobors, their unique communal way of life, culture, sharing of resources, agrarian development, industry, schools and education, and politics and leadership.

21 Nov 2005

A True Story About a Pioneer Doukhobor Babushka

This article by Eli A. Popoff tells the story of his grandmother Semenesheva-Popova, who came to Canada along with a group of a hundred and fifty Siberian exiles in 1905 and was soon reunited with her extended families on the prairies. With 'a smile and a sparkle in her eyes', she showed her boundless stamina and dedication, and revealed her inner soul.

21 Nov 2005

Peter G. Makaroff, QC: Canada's First Doukhobor Lawyer

Peter G. Makaroff (1895-1970) came to Canada as a young boy in 1899. At that time, he could speak no English, but in less than 20 years, he became the first Doukhobor to graduate from a post-secondary educational institution. He went on to become one of Canada's outstanding lawyers, a noted peacemaker and humanitarian. By W. McConnell.

21 Nov 2005

Grandmother Berikoff: A Special Gift

Written from the heart by Natalie Voykin, the following is an ode to her Grandmother Dunia (nee Chernenkoff) Berikoff (1897-1965) who came from Russia as a small child of one and a half years. With no prior education and a peasant background, Dunia had a heart of gold as she lived through the difficulties of resettlement, first in Saskatchewan and then in British Columbia, connecting her Doukhobor belief in God with practical everyday life.

21 Nov 2005

A Roundtrip to the Homeland: Doukhobor Remigration to Soviet Russia in the 1920's

Following the Russian Revolution, an increasing number of Doukhobors in Canada began to turn their eyes to their homeland, where momentous changes were taking place. Vadim Kukushkin chronicles the return of 40 Independent Doukohbor families to the Soviet Union between 1922 and 1926, their settlement near Melitopol and ultimate return to Canada.  

21 Nov 2005

Spirit Wrestlers of Southern Russia

Not many hints remain of Doukhobor culture in Southern Russia. Persecuted in the past for their pacifist beliefs, modern Doukhobors search for an identity in the modern world. The following article by Maria Kolesnikova examines the Doukhobors of Rostov as they struggle to maintain their faith, traditions, history and culture in twenty-first century Russia.

21 Nov 2005

Tambov Doukhobors on Trial in 1803

The following is a compelling and harrowing account of the real-life trials and sufferings of the Doukhobors of Troitskoe Dubrova village, Tambov province, Russia in 1803.  This rare and valuable historic account provides readers with a fascinating and informative look into the true-life experiences of our Doukhobor martyr ancestors. Translated by Vera Kanigan.

21 Nov 2005

Update - Links

A number of new links have been added to useful and interesting websites, including Saskatchewan Homestead Index and the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Index.

21 Nov 2005

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

20 Oct 2005

Official Opening of the Yasnaya Polyana Bakery

September 21, 2005 marked the successful opening of the Bakery/Cafe & Communication Center at Yasnaya Polyana. The Opening marked the culmination of years of dedicated efforts between the Yasnaya Polyana and the Doukhobors of Canada. Spearheaded by Vladimir Ilich Tolstoy on behalf of Yasnaya Polyana and the Friends of Tolstoy Committee.

12 Oct 2005

Indexing Project - Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census

A call for volunteers to assist in transcribing the Doukhobors in the recently-released 1911 Canada Census, for the purposes of preparing a new reference publication for Doukhobor family historians.

22 Sep 2005

Doukhobor Session - 2005 Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Annual Seminar

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff will be presenting the session on “Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots” at "Saskatchewan 100: Our People, Our Heritage" the 2005 Annual Seminar of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society in Regina, Saskatchewan October 21 – 23, 2005.

22 Sep 2005

Canadian Ethnic Studies Association - 18th Biennial Conference

Koozma J. Tarasoff will be chairing a session on 'Ethnicity and Social Justice: The Case of the Doukhobors' at the Biennial Conference of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association, to be held at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, October 14-16, 2005. Panelists will include a number of prominent scholars and writers.

17 Sep 2005

Interactive Tool - Homestead History Available

Two Saskatchewan men have created an interactive tool that puts the homesteading history of every Saskatchewan settler available with just a couple clicks of a mouse. The CD-ROM resource called the Historical Ownership Mapping Endeavour, or HOME, plots the names of some 300,000 original homesteaders on a clickable map of the province.

31 Aug 2005

Student Sleuths Asked to Help Solve 1924 Murder

Two University of Victoria historians are asking student sleuths to crack the case of the mysterious death of Doukhobor leader Peter Verigin in 1924. It is one of 3 new Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History presented on-line. The Web project provides texts, documents and photographs for students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

31 Aug 2005

World Traveller Creates TV Series About Russian Doukhobor & Other Ethnic Women

“Mother Tongue: A Woman’s History of Ethnic Canada” is a 13-episode television series which looks at women’s history and the role women played in Canada. Each episode focuses on a woman from a different ethnic group, including Russian Doukhobor, and each story is told by a descendant.

26 Jul 2005

1911 Canada Census Now Available

After a concerted public campaign over the past several years, data from the 1911 Canadian census has finally be released by Statistics Canada to the care of Library and Archives Canada. A tremendous new resource for Doukhobor family historians.

06 Jul 2005

Ottawa Releases Genealogists' Delight

History buffs across the country are eagerly anticipating the release of personal census records kept secret for almost 100 years. Recent changes to the Statistics Act mean that census information will be made available to researchers and genealogists on the 92nd anniversary of each census. Story by CBC News.

25 Jun 2005

Doukhobor Settlement Designated Heritage Site

In a ceremony today, Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Lynda Haverstock will officially declare the Doukhobor Dugout House, site of the former Doukhobor village of Oospenia near Blaine Lake, a provincial heritage property.  Visitors can look at the structure, archeological dig area, Doukhobor artifacts, a steam bath and 18th century Doukhobor buildings.

05 Jun 2005

Guide to Doukhobor Passports and Visa Records

Passports and visas are among the often overlooked documents that we may have about our Doukhobor ancestors’ travel and immigration. This article by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff describes passport and visa records used historically by Doukhobors - their background, content, usefulness and availability.

05 Jun 2005

Doukhobor Changes of Name in Saskatchewan, 1917-1975

This listing contains information on official changes of name by 219 Doukhobors in Saskatchewan from 1917 to 1975, as publicly advertised in the Saskatchewan Gazette, the official newspaper of the Government of Saskatchewan. Information includes original name, new name, address and date of gazette publication.

05 Jun 2005

1947 List of USCC Members Residing on BC Land Settlement Board Lands

This listing contains information on 589 USCC member households situated on BC Land Settlement Board (former CCUB) lands in Brilliant, Champion Creek, Pass Creek, Winlaw, Kamennoe, Ostrov, Ooteschenia, Slocan Park, Shoreacres, Glade, Raspberry, Claybrick, Perry Siding, Outlook, Fruktova, Spencer, North Forks and Grand Forks, British Columbia.

05 Jun 2005

1947 Spiritual Communities of Christ (Sons of Freedom) Membership List

This listing contains information on 421 Sons of Freedom households in Winlaw, Perry Siding, Glade, Gilpin, Grand Forks, Krestova, Crescent Valley, Shoreacres, Thrums and Brilliant, British Columbia. Taken in 1947, it includes the name of the head of household, the number of men, women and children per household and trustee for each district.

05 Jun 2005

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials:  Meadowdale, Novoe & Blagoveshchenie cemeteries, Canora district, SK; Chursinoff, Sovetnoe & Rodionovka cemeteries, Mikado district, SK; Blahodarovka, Kapustino, Smirenie, Spasovka & Verigino cemeteries, Veregin district, SK; City of Yorkton Cemetery, Yorkton, SK; Gilpin (Plateau) Cemetery, Gilpin, BC.

05 Jun 2005

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include seven additional places associated with the Doukhobors. These include: Pergamo Colony, Athalasa Colony, Terpeniye Gora, Alexeyevka, The Colony, Sofatova Dolina and Bozhiya Dolina.

05 Jun 2005

Accomplishment of the Mission

In 1894, Vasily Verigin and Vasily Vereshchagin visited Doukhobor leader Peter Verigin in exile in Kola in northern Russia.  Upon their arrival home, the faithful messengers passed on their leader's advice to his followers to reject military service and to destroy their firearms in a mass demonstration against violence. From Grigory Verigin’s 1935 memoirs.

05 Jun 2005

Uncle Ivan Remembered

Charlie Chernoff writes about his recollection and perception of memorable incidents, relationships and personalities while growing up in Veregin, Saskatchewan in the 30’s and 40’s. He recalls "Uncle Ivan", a larger-than-life man whose personality, accomplishments, appearance and actions left a lasting impression on one young Doukhobor boy.

05 Jun 2005

Polly Vishloff: Paths and Pathfinders

In 2004, Polly Vishloff (nee Verigin) was the keynote speaker at "Paths and Pathfinders", a symposium honouring extraordinary women pioneers of Mission, British Columbia.  During her address, she gave an account of her life as a Doukhobor over the past eighty years, highlighting the importance of hard work, strong family ties and community roots. 

05 Jun 2005

Rootsweb Mailing List

A Rootsweb mailing list has been added for family researchers to share email messages with others who are researching their Doukhobor genealogy. To subscribe, send an email with the subject message "Subscribe".  Available in mail mode or digest mode.  

05 Jun 2005

1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus - Limited Copies Still Available

There are still limited copies available of the 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff. One of the most important new sources for Doukhobor genealogical research, this book is compiled from the original Russian tax records housed at the Georgian State Archives and translated into English.

01 Jun 2005

New Book Published & Available - Heretics and Colonizers by Nicholas Breyfogle

The following book on 19th century Doukhobors in the Caucasus has been published and is now available through Cornell University Press: “Heretics And Colonizers Forging Russia's Empire in the South Caucasus”.  Contains valuable new historic information and insights.

07 Apr 2005

Kamsack Sitting Pretty

It's quiet around the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin, less than 15 kilometres west of Kamsack. By early summer that will change as the site celebrates its Museum Appreciation Day, June 5. The event precedes the Heritage Celebrations July 15-17, honouring the role the Doukhobor community played in the province's growth.

17 Mar 2005

Doukhobor Heritage Tour Postponed to 2006

Koozma J. Tarasoff and travel agent Peter Perepelkin inform that the scheduled much-awaited Russian Adventure Heritage Tour 2005 has been again posponed because of safety conditions in TransCaucasia.

06 Mar 2005

Doukhobor Monument on Hold at New Denver, BC

Some Doukhobor people who were seized from their parents in the 1950s says they're relieved the province has decided against going ahead with a planned monument and picnic site to commemorate the children's hardship. Article taken from CBC News British Columbia Mar 4 2005.

27 Feb 2005

Woikin Caught in Soviet Spy Scandal

The following article from "1905-2005, Back to the Past, Celebrating Saskatchewan's Centennial " by Paul Spasoff examines the story of Emma Woikin, a Doukhobor from Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan who travelled to Ottawa to work and in 1943, became embroiled in an international Soviet spy scandal.

09 Feb 2005

Calendar of Saskatchewan Centennial Events

The year 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of Saskatchewan's incorporation as a Province of Canada. Among the many events planned for Saskatchewan's Centennial celebrations, the following events may be of particular interest to those of Doukhobor background.

03 Feb 2005

New Publication - 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus

One of the most important new sources for Doukhobor genealogical research, the 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is compiled from the original Russian tax records housed at the Georgian State Archives. This book now makes it possible to trace many Doukhobor families back to late 18th century in Russia.

03 Feb 2005

Doukhobor Ancestral Village Finder

In order to successfully research our Doukhobor ancestors, it is necessary to identify the ancestral village in Russia in which they lived prior to immigrating.  This tremendously useful index will allow you to cross-reference the post-1899 Canadian village in which your Doukhobor ancestors settled, with the pre-1899 Russian village from which they originated.

03 Feb 2005

1939 Kamsack Doukhobor Society Membership List

This listing contains information on 192 members of the Doukhobor Society of Kamsack, Saskatchewan in 1939. Information includes: name (including middle initial) and age.

03 Feb 2005

1945 USCC Membership List

This listing contains information on 609 members of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ living in Slocan Valley, Perry Siding, Vallican, Winlaw, Appledale, Perrys, Perry Siding, Roseberry, Taghum, Creston, Blewett, Nelson, Salmo, Fruitvale and Vancouver. Taken in 1945, it includes full name (including middle initial) and age.

03 Feb 2005

Doukhobor Soldiers in the First World War, 1914-1918

While most Doukhobors were exempted from service in the First World War as conscientious objectors, 55 young Doukhobor men from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War (1914-1918). This listing contains their name, date of birth, address and regimental number.

03 Feb 2005

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials:  Blagosklonnoe, Kalmakovo, Kirilovka, Moiseyevo, Novo-Goreloe, Novo-Troitskoe, Village of Buchanan, Old Goreloe & Ooteshenia cemeteries, Buchanan district, SK; Efremovka, Truzhdenie & Ubezhdenie (Linden Valley) cemeteries, Kamsack district, SK; Novo-Pokrovka, Otradnoe & Village of Veregin cemeteries, Veregin, SK; CCUB Cemetery, Arrowwood district, AB; Champion Creek (Blagodatnoe) Cemetery, Castlegar district, BC; USCC (Sion) Cemetery, Grand Forks district, BC.

03 Feb 2005

Update - Doukhobor Ship Passenger List Index

The Ship Passenger List Index has been updated to include four new ship passenger lists containing Doukhobor immigrants. The ships and family names include: SS Blucher (Taranov), SS Belgravia (Fofanov, Novokshonov, Shcherbakov); SS Amerika (Verigin, Kotelnikov), SS Canopic (Potapov, Taranov).

03 Feb 2005

Russian Roots, An Odyssey

In 2004, Dr. Allan Markin and his wife Evelyn of Penticton, British Columbia embarked on a month-long odyssey in Russia, the land of their Doukhobor ancestors. Here, he recounts their experiences of Russian people and places and their exploration of ancestral roots. He observes that as Doukhobors, "part of our hearts will always remain in Russia".

03 Feb 2005

The Antifaeff Family - Immigration to Canada

Unlike his brothers, who accompanied the Doukhobors to Canada in 1899, Grigory Antyufeev remained in Russia, having no desire or intention to begin life anew in a strange and unknown land. Little did he expect that by 1900, unforeseen events would catapult his family on a long and harrowing journey to the Canadian Prairies. By Ruby Nemanishen.

03 Feb 2005

The Mysterious Death of Peter Verigin

80 years ago, the charismatic Doukhobor leader Peter "Lordly" Verigin died in a spectacular railway explosion near Farron, British Columbia. Today, his death remains unresolved. The following article by Larry Hannant discusses the various competing theories - some controversial - that have been formulated to explain his mysterious death.

03 Feb 2005

George Stushnoff - My Life Story

In his later years, George P. Stushnoff (1922-2001) wrote about the history and settlement of his family in the Langham district of Saskatchewan and of growing up there in the Twenties to the Forties. In simple and straightforward style, he recalls the everyday scenes of Doukhobor life on the Canadian Prairies.

03 Feb 2005

Update - Baron Haxthausen - A Visit to the Dukhobortsy, 1843

This original 19th century account of Baron August von Haxthausen's visit to the Doukhobors at Milky Waters has been updated to include rare pencil sketches of the Doukhobor capital village of Terpenie. Drawn during his visit in 1843, the sketches include the Sirotsky Dom ("Orphans' Home"). Also new editorial note by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

03 Feb 2005

The Doukhobors' Place in Canadian History

Traditional Canadian history has focused almost exclusively on the story of English and French Canadians. The stories of minority groups, their accomplishments and contributions, often receive scant attention. However, as Andrei Bondoreff contends, the Doukhobors' place in Canadian history is exciting, dynamic and above all else, important.

03 Feb 2005

My Trip to Shenkursk and My Communal Life There

In 1888, Grigory Verigin journeyed from the Caucasus to the town of Shenkursk in the far northern province of Arkhangelsk to visit his brother - Peter Verigin. Taken from his memoirs, this excerpt provides important insights into the Doukhobor leader's spiritual and philosophical teachings adopted by the Doukhobors leading up to the "Burning of Arms".

03 Feb 2005

My Memories of Grandmother and Grandfather Sookochoff

The following article by Cyril Brown is a collection of family histories, stories, memories, photos and genealogical information about his Sookochoff grandparents. As he notes, "only a very few can claim outstanding contributions to society but it is often the many uncelebrated individuals that really make a difference."

03 Feb 2005

Origin of the CCUB Trust Fund

In 1938, the once-flourishing Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood was foreclosed upon, its over $4,000,000 in assets sold at fire sale prices to satisfy a $300,00 debt. The remaining balance, held in trust by the Government of Saskatchewan for the Doukhobors of Canada, came to be known as the CCUB Trust Fund.  Learn about it here.  

03 Feb 2005

Update - Links

A number of new links have been added to useful and interesting websites, including Saskatchewan News Index, Boundary Museum, Prompt Online Russian-English-Russian Translator, Postnikoff.com, and more!

15 Jan 2005

Coming Soon - Saskatchewan Homestead Index

Families researching their homesteading history, and communities preparing local history books will have an easier time of it once the Saskatchewan Homestead Index Project (SHIP) is completed in February 2005, in time for Saskatchewan’s Centennial!

07 Jan 2005

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois E. Hole (nee Verigin) Passess Away

Statement from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on the
passing of Lois E. Hole (nee Veregin), horticulturalist, acclaimed author, Doukhobor descendant and former resident of Buchanan, Saskatchewan.

06 Jan 2005

Explanatory Note - 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus

I would like to provide readers with a note of explanation regarding the place names and administrative and political boundaries referenced in my new book, "1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus. Unfortunately, due to formatting restrictions, I was unable to include it within the book. I trust readers will find it useful and informative.

30 Dec 2004

Doukhobor "Connection" to Baseball Legend

The old man and the Doukhobor teenager, Koozma J. Tarasoff from Saskatoon sprawled out in a California mansion one winter day in 1953. Theirs was an unlikely friendship, carved from long-distance correspondence and a mutual love of dusty baseball diamonds.

27 Dec 2004

Coming Soon - Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Index

Genealogical Indexes Available in time for Province's Centennial. Amendments to The Vital Statistics Act will make it easier for Saskatchewan people to research their heritage.  Saskatchewan Health will soon compile, publish and distribute genealogical indexes of births, marriages and deaths as a support to people researching their history.

24 Nov 2004

Soviet Papers Preserved

This Regina Leader Post newspaper article examines the recent archival discoveries of Doukhobor records in Russia and Former Soviet Republics by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff. Soon, Doukhobor ancestors will soon be able to search centuries back into their families' histories to their Soviet homeland thanks to the years of work of one of their own.

28 Sep 2004

Website Redesign

Visitors to the Doukhobor Genealogy Website will be greeted with a fresh new look! The redesign offers an improved interface that is easy to navigate. It is also print-friendly. The enhanced look and feel will provide visitors with better access to Doukhobor genealogical information.

28 Sep 2004

Doukhobor Documents Discovered in Former Soviet Archives

Doukhobor researcher and genealogist Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has discovered a wealth of records in the archives of the former Soviet republics that shed new light on the early history of Doukhobor families. Soon he will be opening them to the wider world. This is possibly the most important development in the field of Doukhobor genealogy of all time.

28 Sep 2004

1936 Society of Named Doukhobors Membership List - Koch Siding

This listing contains information on 65 Doukhobor members of the Society of Named Doukhobors living in Koch Siding, British Columbia. Taken in 1936, it includes full name (including middle initial), age and number of males and females per household.

28 Sep 2004

1944 Buchanan Doukhobor Society Membership List

Another new online resource! This listing contains information on 138 members of the Doukhobor Society of Buchanan, Saskatchewan in 1944. Information includes: name (including middle initial) and age.

28 Sep 2004

Doukhobor Cemetery Index

This new online index contains the name and location of over 105 (private) Doukhobor cemetery and burial sites in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Public municipal cemeteries with significant numbers of Doukhobor burials are also listed. Identifies the status of transcriptions for cemeteries along with links to transcribed pages.

28 Sep 2004

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials:  Nadezhda Cemetery, Veregin district, SK; Tolstoy Cemetery, Veregin district, SK; God's Blessing Cemetery, Kylemore, SK; Daphne Doukhobor Cemetery, Watson district, SK; Doukhobors in Watson Public Cemetery, Watson, SK.

28 Sep 2004

Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

Learn about this ambitious new project to transcribe all Doukhobor cemeteries and burial sites in Canada, the current status of the project, and how you can volunteer to participate to preserve our history.

28 Sep 2004

Baron Haxthausen - A Visit to the Dukhobortsy, 1843

In 1843, German political economist Baron August Freiherr von Haxthausen (1792-1866) visited the Doukhobors at Milky Waters, just after the sect was exiled to the Caucasus. His account is one of the most valuable foreign accounts of the sect in the early nineteenth century, detailing the events that led to their exile and disbursement to the Caucasus.

28 Sep 2004

Russell Terichow - Boyhood Memories

In his later years, Russell W. Terichow (1906-1982) wrote down his memoirs of life on the Canadian Prairies in the Teens and Twenties. In frank, simple style, he depicts the adventures and pleasures, hardships and tragedies, and everyday life of his boyhood at Buchanan, Saskatchewan. Rich details and vivid memories of early Doukhobor settlement.

28 Sep 2004

Transplanted Roots

We let the media worry about the big events and record the history of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. But the big story is only part of history. Each of us has an interesting story to tell. The following three stories are selected from 120 articles in a recently printed Popoff family history book by Albert J. Popoff.

28 Sep 2004

Breaking Ground in Spasovka and Uspenie

In this article, Deanna Konkin writes about the early days on the Saskatchewan prairies and the stories of her grandparents, early Doukhobor immigrant settlers in Spasovka and Uspenie villages near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan.  

28 Sep 2004

Last Days of the Georgian Doukhobors?

Squeezed out by their Armenian and Georgian neighbors in southern Georgia, the remaining members of the Doukhobor religious sect are planning on returning to the land of their forefathers. This current events article by Mark Grigorian, foreign correspondent in Gorelovka, Georgia.

28 Sep 2004

Update - Links

A number of new links have been added to useful and interesting websites including: A Doukhobor Song of Days, Alternate Service, Genealogica, Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, UC-Stanford Map Collection, etc.

27 Jun 2004

Peter Verigin Monument - Farron, BC

In October 1924, a mysterious explosion in a coach of a Canadian Pacific Railway train near Farron, British Columbia killed was Doukhobor leader Peter "Lorly" Verigin. A monument marks the spot where he died, thrown from the railway coach. There is now a hiking/bike trail along the CPR railbed where the monument is located.

31 May 2004

New Book - Society of Named Doukhobors, 1930 Saskatchewan Membership List

This new book by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff contains information on 1,142 Doukhobor households in 11 districts within the Province of Saskatchewan and includes the name of the head of household, number of males, number of females and total number of persons per household. The listings also report household member in age categories.

31 May 2004

1900 Saskatchewan Colony Census

This special census of 168 Doukhobor families living in the Saskatchewan Colony was taken by Department of Interior officials on December 31, 1900. Information includes: name of head of household, number of individuals per household, bushels of wheat, oats, barley, flax and potatoes per household and number of acres ready for seeding in 1901.  

31 May 2004

Doukhobors in the 1930 US Federal Census

Extracted from the US Federal Census, this listing contains information on 72 Doukhobors living in the "Russian Colony" in Manteca, California on April 1, 1930. Information includes: name, relationship to head of household, age, marital status, date of immigration to USA, occupation and industry.  

31 May 2004

1944 USCC Membership List - Slocan Park

This listing contains information on 57 Doukhobor members of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ living in Slocan Park, British Columbia. Taken August 23, 1944, it includes full name (including middle initial) and age.

31 May 2004

1915-1932 Doukhobor Naturalizations

Transcribed from the Canadian Genealogy Centre Naturalization Database, this online index contains information on 120 Doukhobors naturalized between the years 1915 and 1932. Information includes: name, date of certificate of naturalization or oath of allegiance, occupation and residence.  

31 May 2004

Update - Doukhobor Historical Maps

The following new online historical maps have been added: Kylemore (SK), Grand Forks (BC), Ootischenia (BC), Champion Creek (BC), Pass Creek (BC), Glade (BC), Shoreacres (BC), Winlaw (BC), Arrowwood-Shouldice (AB), Zaporozhye (UK), Tula (RU), Bryansk (RU), Amur (RU).

31 May 2004

Update - Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists

The Ship Passenger List Index has been updated to include seven new ship passenger lists containing Doukhobor immigrants. The ships and family names include: SS Bavarian (Konkin), SS Bremen (Salykin), SS Montezuma (Sukharev), SS Corinthina (Chevildeev), SS Tunisian (Markin), SS Campanello (Kazakov) and SS Teutonic (Shlyakhov, Rybin).

31 May 2004

Update - Local Histories Index

The Local Histories Index has been updated to include four more local history books containing group settlement history and detailed family biographies: Rosebud (AB), Swan River Valley (MB), Rama-Invermay (SK), Hendon (SK).

31 May 2004

Update - Links

A number of new links have been added to useful and interesting websites, including The Doukhobor Digital Jukebox, Doukhobor Prints, Canadian Genealogy Centre, Rural Municipality of Good Lake, Brilliant Cemetery, etc.

31 May 2004

Lawlors Island Revisited

On March 26, 2004, Jonathan J. Kalmakoff returned to the site of the Lawlors Island Quarantine Station to retrace the footsteps of his ancestors during their first days in Canada, one hundred and five years earlier in 1899. This is a gallery of photos he took on his trip.

31 May 2004

The Manteca Russian Colony

In 1924, 14 Doukhobor families from British Columbia and Saskatchewan resettled to Manteca, California seeking warmer climate and economic opportunity. There they purchased 140 acres of land and established a grape growing cooperative. The "Russian Colony" was considered one of the most successful in the United States. By Rose Albano.

31 May 2004

Yorkton Brick Factory

Canora resident Fay Negraeff recently delved into the history of a brickyard operated by the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan from 1905-1939. This interesting article recounts the story of the Doukhobor brickyard and its impact on the area. A little-known chapter of Doukhobor history. By Debra Pinkerton.