History

During the summer of 1995, after the Exhibit closed, a number of local residents, some of Russian background, and some who simply had a genuine interest in Russia and Russian culture, met to discuss ways to continue the momentum begun by the excitement of the exhibit. The result was the founding of cultural, educational, and philanthropic organization named Russian Heritage. According to our Articles of Incorporation, “The purpose of Russian Heritage is to preserve and promote Russian heritage, history, and culture, and to educate the general public through such activities as, but not limited to, social events, films festivals, artistic venues, and educational programs.” We are a non-profit organization that raises funds to support educational and cultural programs.

After about five years our membership had grown to over 100 members. In an analysis of our membership statistics, it became clear that about 55% of our members were of Russian background, and that about half of the people in that group had been born in the former Soviet Union, and about half were born to Russian emigrants in Europe, Asia, or America. Almost half of our members were not of Russian background, but many had visited Russia or studied the Russian language. At least 12 couples in the group at that time were marriages with one spouse Russian and one non-Russian spouse, in most cases Americans. In recent years our membership has been well over 200, and the breakdown of membership categories seems to be about the same as before.

A look at our archives of programs for the last six years will show that we have sponsored a number of programs that feature Peter Demens and the relationship between the two St. Petersburgs; that have facilitated the exchange of Russian and American students; that have brought recent and classic Russian films to the Tampa Bay audience; and that have provided for concerts and other cultural activities. You can see the specific programs listed by years in our archives. One of the highlights each year has been our celebration of the Old Russian New Year at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. This year we are celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the founding of our organization.