Presenter: Joel L. Spector
Format: Download MP3 Audio

I will first describe the current theories regarding the origin and early growth of the Jewish population in Russia. I will then describe the origin and divisions of the Russian gubernias and the early attempts at enumerating the population through reviskie skazkii. After describing some important Russian laws and the effects they had on the Jewish population, I will conclude with a description of the 1897 All-Russia Census, its ultimate disposition and current attempts in recreating its contents.