2023 Conference

SCHEDULE

Assistance to Ukraine – Response and Rescue

10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

| Thursday, September 28

As the conflict continues in Ukraine, cultural heritage has been used as both a justification and target of the invasion. Archaeological sites, museums, and historic structures that compose the cultural landscape are suffering irreparable damage, and Ukrainian heritage stewards are fighting to save their history, culture, and identity. The Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) is providing on-the-ground assistance to museums and cultural organizations, as well as research on and remote satellite monitoring of potential cultural war crimes. Speakers from SCRI will discuss issues related to cultural heritage loss and protection measures in Ukraine, including their efforts to assist on the ground, documentation of potential conflict impacts at cultural heritage sites, their contributions to the Conflict Observatory’s documentation of damage, and other work to support the preservation of collections and institutions under threat.

About SCRI: Founded in 2010 after the earthquake in Haiti, the mission of the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative is to work with communities affected by natural disasters to help protect their heritage and preserve their identity and history.