A significant part of the documents of the first half of the XIX century reflects the events associated with the uprising of the Decembrists: the Manifest of abdication of Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich in favor of Nicholas Pavlovich, "The List of the State Criminals", a handwritten copy of K.F.Ryleev’s letter before his execution.
Patriotic War of 1812 is presented in the orders, reports, award documents.
The development of industry, science, education and culture is adequately represented in the documentary collection. The documents concerning architecture and construction of the city are of particular value for the research.