Ukrainian History as a World Story with Dr. Timothy Snyder
Hart House, in partnership with Kosa Arts and St. Volodymyr Institute, presented an evening bringing historical scholarship and living tradition into conversation.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Timothy Snyder, inaugural Chair in Modern European History at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Beginning with pre-history in the lands of today’s Ukraine north of the Black Sea, Dr. Snyder drew on recent archaeological and historical research to reconsider the origins of large-scale settlement and Indo-European languages. From that vantage point, he invited the audience to revisit Greek, Roman, and medieval history, arguing that when viewed from Ukraine, familiar narratives of European development assume a different coherence.
The lecture closed by reflecting on how canonical myths and legends continue to shape modern political and cultural life.
The evening opened with a performance by Kosa Arts, whose singers presented Ukrainian folk songs transmitted across generations. Placed alongside the lecture, the performance grounded historical analysis in lived cultural continuity.
The event was free for students and by donation for guests, with proceeds supporting humanitarian initiatives through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. SVI is grateful to collaborate on programming that situates Ukrainian history within rigorous academic discourse while remaining attentive to cultural practice and community.
"History as a World Story," featuring Kosa Folk Arts and Dr. Timothy Snyder
“How Art, Myth and History Unlock Meaning: Dr. Timothy Snyder to Give Riveting Keynote Lecture” by Megan Wykes
Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) has been a vital bridge between Canadian generosity and Ukrainian resilience. Today, as Ukraine faces unprecedented challenges, your support is more crucial than ever.
The SVI Library holds several of Dr. Snyder’s works, including The Road to Unfreedom and On Freedom, which offer further context for the questions raised during the lecture.
The event was organized in collaboration with our partners: Kosa Folk Arts, the St. Volodymyr Institute, the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and the Public History Lab at the University of Toronto
Photos courtesy of Hart House | Credit Masoud Riyazati.
