Eugene A. Kuchta served as emcee during an opening reception for the exhibit “Holodomor: The Famine-Genocide of Ukraine 1932-1933,” which was on display from November 28 through International Human Rights Day on December 10.
HOUSTON, Texas – The Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) recently hosted an exhibit, “Holodomor: The Famine-Genocide of Ukraine 1932-1933,” that was on display from November 28 through International Human Rights Day on December 10. The exhibit was made possible by the U.S. Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor Genocide Awareness and the Ukrainian American Cultural Club of Houston (UACCH).
On November 27, an exhibit opening reception was held in the HMH Moral Choices Hall and sponsored by UACCH. Attendees to the invitation-only reception included representatives from the Consul General of Ukraine in Houston, Houston’s Consulate Corp., the World Affairs Council, as well as national, state and local officials.
Holocaust organizations, Houston’s Slavic community, Rice University, business leaders and local Ukrainian organizations also attended the reception.
The formal program began with opening remarks by Eugene A. Kuchta, who served as emcee of the event. Speakers included Alex Hampton, HMH exhibition manager; Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta, president of the UACCH; Pavlo Moiseichenko, Consul of Ukraine in Houston; and Gregory Buchai and Nina Motruk, descendants of Holodomor survivors.
Rev. Mykola Dovzhuk of Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrova) Ukrainian Catholic Church was unable to attend due to illness. His prepared remarks, however, were delivered by Dr. Szeremeta. The program concluded with Dr. Szeremeta leading Pokrova choir members in singing Vichnaya Pamiat.
On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the exhibit was featured for museum visitors. Additionally, HMH designated a Holodomor/Ukrainian Human Rights information table for the day. Representatives from the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (Branch 118) joined in staffing the table.
As part of the days’ events, the HMH’s schedule had a formal program that included a talk by Holocaust survivor Ruth Steinfeld. Prior to her talk, Ms. Steinfeld visited the information table, engaged in discussion and took Holodomor informational brochures. It was later learned that Ms. Steinfeld incorporated information she read in the brochures into her talk, telling the audience the importance of knowing about the Holodomor.
