What happens to the cultural heritage of a place when its citizens encounter natural disaster, war, terrorism, and other catastrophes?

Historic Annapolis, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will host renowned scholar Dr. Richard Kurin of the Smithsonian Institution for a special FREE presentation about the efforts to help communities protect and preserve their histories when faced with endangerment due to natural disasters and human conflict. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A!

Dr. Kurin will highlight the role the Smithsonian plays as a leader in responding to national and international cultural crises by providing disaster response assistance for heritage colleagues throughout the world, and raising awareness for threatened cultural heritage. Hear stories of how the Smithsonian has helped protect resources from terrorism, trained local professionals, developed new techniques for monitoring and predicting destruction, and helped with the recovery of institutions, artifacts, and antiquities following disasters like the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Dr. Kurin will also concentrate on current efforts in Ukraine to safeguard Ukrainian history and identity, and how the Smithsonian is providing supplies, equipment, and training for the country’s cultural professionals to protect valued collections and facilities. He also explains his team’s effort to monitor cultural sites in Ukraine and document damage and destruction – potential war crimes – via satellite sensors and imagery.