The House of Scientists in the life of the academic community of Tomsk (1926-1941)

On the basis of archival documents, periodicals and memories the history of the Tomsk Scientist Club (The House of Scientists since 1934) in the second half of the 1920s - the beginning of the 1940s is described, its scientific, consulting and popularization functions, cultural and educational forms of activity, as well as leisure and entertainment of scientific workers are analyzed. The circumstances of the organization of the Scientist Club under the Section of Scientific Workers of the District Union of Educators are considered. It is noted that the Tomsk Scientist Club was one of the first in the country, along with such kind of institutions of scientific intellectuals in St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Moscow, Kazan and other Russian scientific centers. At first, its activities were mainly cultural and entertaining in the form of family relaxing evenings with satirical interludes ("Kangaroo"), prompting criticism from the local authorities and accusation in political apathy and "inner emigration". At the same time scientific popularization work in the form of organization of lectures and presentations was conducted. In early 1933, the Club had its own building (Tomsk Governor's house before 1917), formerly occupied by the City Council, and it received its present name - the House of Scientists. All this helped to strengthen its financial base and expand areas of activities. The House of Scientists was headed by a board elected at the meetings of members, whose number exceeded 400 people. The House of Scientists had 7 sections and several clubs, including children ones. Along with the organization of public lectures, film shows, radio lectures, concerts, literary evenings, the Tomsk House of Scientists established business contacts with the industrial enterprises of the West Siberian region, primarily Kuzbass, in 1935. In 1940, a consulting bureau which was engaged in oral and written consulting of industrial enterprises of the region, as well as of graduate students and researchers was organized at the House of Scientists. The budget of the House of Scientists consisted of funds for its maintenance allocated by universities, trade unions and also of membership fees and its own income. However, the work of the House of Scientists was often criticized by the municipal party bodies and the media. The conclusion is that the House of Scientists played an important role in the life of the academic community of Tomsk. The article stresses that the experience of the consulting bureau at the House of Scientists was used in the organization of the Tomsk Committee at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War of 1941- 1945.

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