Role of Moscow Public Organization in Formation of the VOOPIK (1940-s — 1965)

This article sheds light on the origin and development of a mass voluntary movement for the preservation of cultural monuments, and the struggle of social activists in Moscow to turn that social movement into a practicing organization. The article covers the period of the 1940s up through 1965, and the founding of the All Russian Organization for the Protection of Monuments of History and Culture, VOOPIK. The article discusses the background that gave rise to the movement, and the factors that influenced the formation of VOOPIK, in particular. Understanding this history is important for developing sound policies about the interaction of state and social organizations in efforts to preserve our cultural heritage.