Relevance: in the modern transitional world cultural memory is becoming a key resource for adapting to rapid changes. It allows maintaining a human dimension in the digital era and fi nding common ground in a world of multiple truths. The study purpose is to analyze cultural memory based on fundamental beliefs when interpreting historical events. It also aims to empirically verify the contributions of cultural memory to ethnic identity. The study hypothesizes that the objective past as an archival component of cultural memory is closely related to the fundamental beliefs of an individual and infl uences the specifi c manifestations of their ethnic identity. Participants: N = 100, residents of Saratov (males – 44; females – 56) aged 21 to 58 (M = 28; SD =7.54). Methods (instruments): a questionnaire was used to measure the archival component of cultural memory. It contained socio-demographic information (gender, age), questions related to the familiarity and signifi cance of historical events, characters, and concepts, as well as their assessment according to the Likert Scale. The Types of Ethnic Identity Techniques (by G. U. Soldatova, S. V. Ryzhova) was used to assess the identity; a modifi cation of the R. Yanov-Bulman World Assumptions Scale (adapted by M. A. Padun, A. V. Kotelnikova) was used to determine the manifestation degree of foundational beliefs. Results: the study has revealed that archival memory is a resource for building identity, has positive correlations with foundational beliefs, and supports the normative ethnic identity of an individual. It has been found that the benevolence of the world is determined by both the resource of cultural memory and destructive ethnic identities. Main conclusions: the results clarify the correlation between cultural memory and the system of foundational beliefs and the positive ethnic identity of an individual; the study reveals selective contributions of cultural memory to ethnic identity. Practical significance: the results can be used in the development o f cultural memory programs that enhance positive ethnic identity and reduce ethno-indiff erence, however do not aff ect its destructive types, which require special psychological interventions focused on developing empathy, resilience to change, and overcoming prejudices.