Maria Pavlovna Chekhova (1863-1957), sister of the great Russian writer. The first director and curator of the Chekhov House Museum in Yalta. "I suffer and I am scared, but I am staying at my post - I am not going anywhere, because I can't imagine myself in another role, once I am the keeper of a monument that is dear to me". (M.P. Chekhova - O.L. Knipper-Chekhova. 23 September 1941) The writer's sister survived a long 890 days of occupation in her brother's house, refusing to be evacuated and did everything possible to ensure that no object would disappear or suffer. Maria Pavlovna was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for her many years of work to preserve the memorial house.