SYMPOSIUM AGENDA

11 AM              WELCOME

 Kate Markert, Executive Director of Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens
Anton Fedyashin, Executive Director, Initiative for Russian Culture, American University

11:15 AM         OPENING SESSION

Kristen Regina: Pageant of the Tsars: The Romanov Coronation Albums. An Overview
Exhibition curator Kristen Regina will give an overview of the show, examining the importance of the Romanov coronation albums during the imperial period and up to today.

Eric Lohr: The Romanov Historical Context: Why were Coronations so Important?
Prof. Lohr will provide some broad historical context to the coronations, pointing to various aspects of Imperial Russian history to explain why the regime thought coronations deserved such elaborate attention.

Edward Kasinec: Book Treasures for Tractors: The Dispersal of Libraries in Soviet Russia and Hillwood's Exhibit
The destruction and displacement of cultural treasures has often followed in the wake of political and social revolution. Kasinec explores the Soviet government-sponsored sales of art, books, and manuscripts—particularly those in Western languages—to Western collections during the 1920s and 1930s, addressing what was sold, and profiling sellers and purchasers. Please note: This presentation includes some images which are intended for a mature audience.

QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH ALL SPEAKERS

12:15-2:15 PM BREAK FOR LUNCH AND TO TOUR PAGEANT OF THE TSARS AND HILLWOOD’S MANSION

One-hour docent-led tours of Hillwood’s Mansion are available at 12:15 and 1:15 pm.

You may also visit the Mansion and Pageant of the Tsars in the Dacha on your own during this time.

Those who have pre-ordered lunch from Hillwood’s café may pick them up at the Adirondack Building.  If you brought lunch, you may find seating in the Adirondack Building.

2:15 PM          ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: RUSSELL MARTIN AND FIONA HILL, MODERATED BY ANTON FEDYASHIN

Professor Martin’s expertise is on the Romanovs post-1917 and Dr. Hill recently published a book titled “Mr. Putin” and is working on the dynamics of Russia/the Romanovs today. Each speaker will present an overview of their expertise and the discussion will be moderated by Anton, Executive Director of the AU Initiative for Russian Culture.

3 PM               TEA RECEPTION