The 25th Anniversary of the Transition to Democracy in Poland
WHAT: Opening of 1989: The End of the System, an exhibition and panel discussion commemorating the 25th anniversary of the transition to democracy in Central Europe.
TIME, DATE, PLACE: 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, in 321 Morey Hall on the University of Rochester’s River Campus. The exhibition continues in Rettner Hall for Media Arts and Innovation, level 1, through Friday, Feb. 20 and will be open to the public between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: The exhibition, which includes photographs, posters, press clippings, documents, and personal accounts, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the transition towards democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. From the origins of the Solidarity labor movement in Poland to the turning point of partially-free elections held in Poland in 1989, the exhibition gives a comprehensive picture of the interrelated political changes that contributed to the fall of the Iron Curtain.
ABOUT THE PANEL DISCUSSION: The panel discussion will feature: Mateusz Stąsiek, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York; Randall Stone, Director of the Skalny Center and Professor of Political Science; Matthew Lenoe, Chair and Professor of History; and Kathleen Parthé, Professor of Russian and the Director of the Russian Studies Program. A reception will follow.
ADMISSION: Admission is free and open to the public. Parking passes, which are available at the information booth on Wilson Blvd., are required before 7 p.m during the run of the exhibition. For opening night, parking will be permitted after 6:30 p.m. in the Library Lot and Intercampus Lot.
SUPPORT: The exhibition is made possible with the generous support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at 585.275.9898.
