THE LEMKOS OF THE CARPATHIANS: A HISTORY OF ETHNIC STRIFE

June 3, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Presenters:

Stephen Rapawy, Ph.D.Russian Area Studies and History, Georgetown University
Corinna Wengryn Caudill, MPIA, International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh

 

The Lemkos of the Carpathians: Places and People - A PhotoShow

Background
The presentation will cover the unique identity and history of the Lemko people, Ukrainian-speaking Slavs who once inhabited the mountainous borderlands between present day Poland and Ukraine known as “Lemkivshchyna” or “Lemkovyna.”  Their distinctive characteristics include their long history of settlement in insular communities along the Carpathian mountains, their Eastern religion, and their unique dialect and linguistic patterns. 

History
An overview of Lemko history, from its ethno-genesis as a distinct Carpathian culture to the near complete expulsion of the Lemko people from Southeast Poland during and after World War II. 

The Impact of Ethnic Purification Policies in East Central Europe
As post-war Poland and the Soviet Union set about the task of creating ethnically pure nation space, millions of people found themselves on the “wrong” side of national borders without leaving their ancestral homes.  How the deportations of Lemkos from Poland were part of a massive ethnic purification campaign that also included Poles, Germans and other ethnic minorities living in East Central Europe during and after World War II.  The presentation will include a display of comparative maps to show how postwar politics and shifting borders ultimately resulted in significant and lasting demographic changes in East Central Europe.

In Their Own Words: Conversations with Lemkos  
The Lemko experience during & after World War II.  Personal experiences during & after the war. 

WHEN:
Pre-Event Reception: 5:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m.
Program & Live Online Webcasting Begin at  6:30 pm.   Live webcasting to continue to 7:30 pm.
Full event taping will be posted on USUF’s website several days following the program.

On-site attendance: RSVP Required – as there is Limited Seating
Email: oksana@usukraine.org or Phone: 202-223-2228

WHERE:
U.S.-Ukraine Foundation
1701 K Street NW  - Suite 903, Washington, DC
(Note:  Bldg entrance is on 17th Street, between K & L Streets
Conveniently located near Farragut West and Farragut North Metro Stations

Questions can be asked in advance or during the webcast by emailing to oksana@usukraine.org