Eduard Eduardovich Shimkevich

Eduard Eduardovich Shimkevich – a teacher, a participant in the Great Patriotic War (World War II), the founder of the Andreapol Local History Museum, and an honorary citizen of the town of Andreapol. He was born in the village of Okhvat, Tver Governorate; in 1932 he graduated from the Velikiye Luki Pedagogical School. After graduating, he worked as a teacher of history and geography.

At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War Shimkevich volunteered for the front. He fought on the Western Front, and from 1943 to 1946 served in the 1st Polish Army named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko. For his service and bravery Eduard Eduardovich was awarded twelve orders and medals, among them the Order of the Red Banner, the Medals "For the Liberation of Warsaw" and "For the Capture of Berlin", the Polish Order of the Cross of Grunwald and the distinction "Cross of Valor".

After demobilization in 1946 Shimkevich returned to Andreapol and continued his teaching career. He was awarded the title "Excellence in Public Education" and received the Medal "For Valiant Labour". In parallel with his teaching, Shimkevich was actively engaged in local history. Thanks to his initiative and efforts, a local history museum was created at the Andreapol school, which in 1972 was granted district status. Until 1983 Shimkevich led the museum on a voluntary basis.

For his contribution to the development of the town and the preservation of Andreapol's historical heritage, on May 17, 1989 Eduard Eduardovich Shimkevich was granted the title of honorary citizen. In recognition of his merits, since 2006 the Andreapol Local History Museum has borne his name.