Personal archive of the archeologist M.E. Foss as a historical source

The archive materials of the notable archaeologist, which have both scientific and private character, give us a possibility to reveal the traits of M.E. Foss’s personality. Her main features were diligence and self-control, multiplied by the ability to overcome difficulties with optimism. We can follow these dignities by her field notes, for example during the extremely difficult search trip to the White Sea shore in 1926 with her colleagues, during the cold northern summer, surrounded by wild animals, without guns. Some notes and drawings witness her perfect sense of humor. Exchanging letters with colleagues, local historians and museum employees, she frequently demonstrated the ability to give kind advice and friendly support, paying no attention to person’s position whether it was a student or an honored academician. She usually tried to stay away from the Soviet ideology restrictions both in her behavior and studies, and loved nature with all her heart, which is evident from her lyric fieldwork footnotes.