New and Recent History Foundation
The Fund is rich and unique in the materials preserved within. It contains family photographs of the Dadianis, taken by world‑renowned photographers such as Félix Nadar, Dagron, Disdéri, Roinishvili, Ermakov, Westley, and others, as well as photo albums artistically decorated and adorned with precious stones and various scenes. These albums include photographs of relatives and friends of the family, members of the high society of the time, emperors, princes, and notable figures. Of particular note are photographs of the French emperors and their families, the Murats, and other distinguished individuals with whom the Dadianis maintained close ties.
Equally remarkable are albums containing views of various European countries and interiors of museums.
The collection also holds a wealth of 20th‑century photographs depicting the development of Georgia and the region, as well as everyday life of the time. The photo albums include frames from the recent past, such as the first stage of the introduction of the railway in Georgia, materials reflecting Georgian‑Abkhazian friendship, and other significant episodes.
Also preserved is documentary material concerning the processes taking place in Samegrelo from the beginning of the 20th century: personal files of participants in the Great Patriotic War, records regarding those who did not return, histories of the region’s industries, institutions, and villages, as well as files and photographs of distinguished and meritorious individuals in various fields — teachers, scholars, athletes, and cultural workers.
