Russian Freemasons in France Collection, 1920-1950

Summary Information

At a Glance

Call No.:
BA#0553
Bib ID:
15964376 View CLIO record
Creator(s):
Krivoshein, Igorʹ Aleksandrovich, 1899-1987
Repository:
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Physical Description:
1 Linear Feet (1 ms box, 1 oversize folder)
Language(s):
English , French , Russian .
Access:
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection has no restrictions.

Description

Content Description

The collection is largely composed of Igor' Krivoshein's materials related to Freemasonry, including his manuscripts, personal documents, and printed materials. Also included are photographs and biographical materials, as well as materials relating more broadly to Russian Freemasonry.

Arrangement

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Russian Freemasons in France Collection; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of Acquision--Nikita Krivocheine; Method of acquistion--Gift; Date of acquisition--2006

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Collection was processed in February 2022 by Jane Meyers.

Biographical / Historical

Igor' Aleksadrovich Krivoshein (1899-1987), prominent figure in Freemasonry, Captain of the Life Guards Cavalry Artillery, participant in the Resistance movement in France, awarded the Medal of Resistance, prisoner of Nazi and Soviet concentration camps, son of the Russian Imperial Minister of agriculture

Igor Krivoshein fought in the Volunteer Army until the evacuation in 1920, then he moved to France. At the start of World War II, Krivoshein became an active member of the French Resistance, working with the famous Mother Maria (Skobstova), helping Soviet prisoners of war, as well as Jewish people, escape the Reich. For his efforts, Igor' Krivoshein was arrested multiple times, spending the final months of the war in the Dora concentration camp before being liberated by the US troops. After the war, Krivoshein along with many other White emigrees returned to Russia under the promise of amnesty. However, this proved to be a false promise, and Krivoshien was arrested almost immediately upon his return to the USSR in 1949. After Stalin's death Krivoshein was released, and he returned to Paris, where he lived until his death in 1987.

Igor Krivoshein was a prominent figure in Freemasonry, was elevated to 33 ° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In 1922, he was initiated into the Astrea Lodge No. 500 of the Grand Lodge of France, until 1930 and in 1933-1935 - its venerable master. Since 1928, he was a member of the Friends of Philosophy improvement lodge, was its secretary (1930-1931) and the first guard (1934-1935). In 1932 he was Chancellor of the Astrea Chapter. In 1932 he was a founding member of the Lotus Lodge. In 1931-1932, he was the ceremonial head of the Jupiter Lodge. Raised to 33° on November 4, 1945, in 1945-1947 - member of the Russian Council of the 33rd degree [2]. In 1937-1947, he was the managing master of the Council for the Association of Russian Lodges of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In 1948, he was expelled from all Masonic organizations in connection with his departure to the USSR.

At the end of his life, after returning to France, he resumed membership in Masonic organizations. In 1975-1976, he was a member of the Supreme Council of France, and the second great guardian of the Astrea chapter.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Name
Freemasons CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Krivoshein, Igorʹ Aleksandrovich, 1899-1987 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Krivosheĭn, Aleksandr Vasilévich, 1857-1921 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Shatilov, Pavel Nikolaevich, 1887-1943 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Vrangel', Petr Nikolaevich, Baron, 1878-1928 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Subject
Emigration and immigration -- France -- Russians -- 20th century CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID