The Museum of Intelligence Officer Nikolai Kuznetsov features a unique object — a wooden desk dating from the early 20th century. It was donated to the museum by the Prokhorov family in 1979. This desk once stood in the home where the young Nikolai Ivanovich Kuznetsov rented a room in 1924, as he began his studies at the seven-year secondary school in Talitsa, entering the sixth grade. The desk stands as a silent witness to the humble beginnings of the future legendary spy and partisan.
The year was 1924. That summer, after consulting with his family, Ivan Pavlovich Kuznetsov made a firm decision: his son Nika would continue his education. Though the family’s finances were modest, they managed to afford a room, clothing, and the basic necessities for school. Ivan Kuznetsov, increasingly aware of his worsening health, was determined to fulfill his dream of giving his son a proper education.
The only comprehensive seven-year secondary school in the area was located in the factory settlement of Talitsa (now the town of Talitsa, Sverdlovsk Oblast), 22 versts (23 km) from the Kuznetsovs’ native village of Zyryanka. His daughter, Agafya, fully supported his wishes. She knew teachers at the Talitsa school, so she took the initiative and consulted the school director, Anna Zinovievna Snegireva, to learn what documents were required to transfer a student from a rural school.
With the help of friends, the Kuznetsovs secured a room for their son in Talitsa: they reached an agreement with Alexandra Vasilyevna Prokhorova, the owner of a local house. By the start of the school year, Nika — having gathered everything he needed — moved to Talitsa.
From that autumn onward, the Kuznetsov family faced new responsibilities: monthly rent, regular deliveries of groceries, and the constant need to provide clothing and footwear. At the time, only a handful of families from surrounding villages could afford such an education for their children. In his class, besides Nika, there were only three other students from rural areas.
In late August, on the way to Talitsa, Ivan Kuznetsov calmly and thoughtfully gave his son final instructions, urging him not to neglect his studies, to observe discipline, and to always remain honest. “If you follow the truth, you will find happiness. Courage… it begins with truth. Remember this: courage is not recklessness or mischief”.
In the early days of his stay at the Prokhorovs’ home, it became clear that Nika often talked in his sleep — a habit that would remain with Kuznetsov even during his preparation for the mission in occupied Rovno, where he operated under the guise of a German officer.
Alexandra Vasilyevna Prokhorova recalled the time Nika spent with her family as follows,
“Nika came to us as an ordinary village boy sent to study in Talitsa. His mother and I were friends. He was very shy and modest, yet curious and a quick learner. Our whole family — three sons and a daughter — was passionate about sports; we did morning exercises together. Gradually, Nika too developed a love for physical education. He took up sports with persistence and dedication. He completed his homework quickly, studied well, and always found time to help me with household chores”.
