“Genius loci” some say about this place. Today we explore the legacy of Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov in Saint Petersburg. Popov’s life was closely intertwined with this city. He was born in 1859 in the Perm province. However, he spent most of his life in our beautiful Saint Petersburg.
Let’s briefly touch on Popov’s early days. He arrived in Saint Petersburg in 1877 after finishing his studies at the Perm Seminary. Popov enrolled in the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Saint Petersburg University. His first Petersburg residence was with his sisters on Malaya Italyanskaya Street. This is now Zhukovsky Street. He resided here for two years from 1877 to 1879. Later, he moved to Kazanskaya Street. Then he lived on Alexandrovsky Prospekt. Today this is Dobrolyubov Prospekt.
Even as a student, Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov began working as an “illuminator”. He was at the first Electrical Engineering Exhibition in 1880. It was organized by the Russian Technical Society. The exhibition took place in Solyanoy Gorodok. Popov also worked as an electrician in the Elektrotechnik partnership. This company was responsible for lighting streets and public spaces. He also worked as a mechanic. This was at one of the city’s first power plants on the barge near the Police Bridge.
Popov’s most significant work was creating his radio. Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov’s invention happened while he lived in Kronstadt. He lived there for over 18 years. During this time, he made his most important invention. He graduated from the university in 1883. Afterward, Popov began teaching physics. He taught math and electrical engineering at the Mine Officer class. This class was located on Pomorskaya Street. Today it is Makarova Street. In 1890, Popov became a staff lecturer in physics at the Naval Ministry’s Technical School. He lectured at the Naval Officers’ Assembly.
Later in his life, in 1901, Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov became a professor of physics. This was at the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical Institute. Later, he became its director. The institute was located near Novo-Isaakievskaya street. Today it is Yakubovich Street.
Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov died in 1905. Today, a memorial museum-apartment dedicated to Popov exists in this city. It is on Pesochnaya Street. Now it is Professor Popov Street. This is where Popov lived with his family.
Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov’s legacy lives on in Saint Petersburg and beyond. His contributions to radio technology have had a lasting impact on the world. Take a moment to reflect on his achievements. Consider the significance of his work in shaping modern communication. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the life and times of Aleksandr Stepanovich Popov.