On April 26, 1986, an explosion shook the Chernobyl nuclear power plant near Pripyat, Ukraine. Since that moment, the lasting effects of the disaster have defined existence in the region, with most people evacuating and many thousands sickened by the radiation of the worst nuclear disaster to date.
Today, we gather for a day of commemoration marking the fortieth anniversary of this tragedy. Join us for poetry, art, dance, stories from affected individuals, and an expert panel discussion on the four decades since.
Schedule of Events
- 11:00 AM: Screening of The Babushkas of Chernobyl (2015), dir. Anne Bogart & Holly Morris
- 12:30 PM: Screening and discussion of Chernobyl: 30 Years Later by Michael Haritan
- 1:00 PM: Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performs an original dance based on Michael Haritan’s photograph Gasmask Doll
- 1:30 PM: Musical performance by Ridna Shkola children’s choir
- 1:40 PM: Panel discussion on the disaster’s effects on health, radiology, geopolitics, and culture, featuring:
- Dr Yuri Nikiforov, vice chair of the Department of Pathology and director of the Division of Molecular Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Dr Steven Miner, an expert on Russian and Eastern European history from Ohio University
- Darius Allman, a Fire/HAZMAT Lieutenant and the Radiological Officer for the City of Pittsburgh
- Olya Feldberg, a researcher whose work focuses on the role of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine-Russian relations and Russian politics
- 2:30 PM: Discussion of the environmental recovery of the Chernobyl area
Throughout the event, attendees are invited to view photographs of the Chernobyl area by Michael Haritan accompanied by original poetry written by students at Carlow University; explore food and craft offerings from vendors; and construct a LEGO scale model of Chernobyl’s Reactor #4 (a completed set of the model will go to one raffle winner).
Registration is appreciated – please click here to register.