Digitalizing Chornobyl
2023
2023
The start of the digitization project of the Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum
+15
Artifacts
+15
Media
> 1000
Documents and photos
The digitization project of the Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum's collections and the creation of an online collection, with access to previously closed archival materials, aims to popularize the Museum's activities and attract the audience of tourists to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, who currently cannot visit it due to military state restrictions.
This is a joint project of the NGO European Institute of Chornobyl and the Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum, implemented
with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation within the Cultural Heritage program of 2023.
Project consist of:
Digitization
Digitization of the Museum's holdings, which is happening for the first time
- More than 800 documents and photo cards,
- 15 media materials,
- 15 scanned historical artifacts
VR excursion to Chornobyl
Presentation of project results by creating a VR tour
- Development of a virtual tour
- Presentations of archival photos and video materials
- Presentations of digitized materials
Dissemination
Popularization of information about the project and activities of the museum
- The press conference for the presentation of the project,
- Dissemination of news about the activities of the museum,
- Promotion of information about the project
Digitization
1
Documents
During the project, a large number of documents and maps were digitized, encompassing a wide range of materials that include journalistic reports from the event sites, personal records, and photographs of the Chornobyl disaster liquidators, employees of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP), as well as residents of the town of Pripyat. These materials reflect various aspects of life before and after the disaster, including the daily life of Pripyat residents, the work and daily challenges of the station employees, and the difficult conditions and challenges faced by the liquidators.
Among the documents are government reports, official letters, and meeting protocols related to the Chornobyl disaster, including documentation on the accident response, evacuation plans, radiological studies, medical records, as well as a wide range of maps showing radiation contamination, the geographical location of the exclusion zone, and the distribution of radioactive waste.
This significant digital collection provides valuable information for researchers, historians, and the general public interested in understanding and studying the consequences of this historical event.
Among the documents are government reports, official letters, and meeting protocols related to the Chornobyl disaster, including documentation on the accident response, evacuation plans, radiological studies, medical records, as well as a wide range of maps showing radiation contamination, the geographical location of the exclusion zone, and the distribution of radioactive waste.
This significant digital collection provides valuable information for researchers, historians, and the general public interested in understanding and studying the consequences of this historical event.
2
Media materials
During the media material digitization project, we utilized advanced technologies for significant quality improvement: increasing the resolution of videos and photographs using modern machine learning algorithms and AI-enhanced enlargement. This allowed us to preserve image details while simultaneously reducing pixelation and blurriness. Additionally, we applied specialized software to reduce visual and audio noise, enhancing the clarity and sharpness of the video recordings. These technical interventions greatly improved the overall quality of the media materials, making them more accessible and informative for researchers, historians, and the general public. Videos are stored in two formats - pre-processed and post-processed.
During the media material digitization project, we utilized advanced technologies for significant quality improvement: increasing the resolution of videos and photographs using modern machine learning algorithms and AI-enhanced enlargement. This allowed us to preserve image details while simultaneously reducing pixelation and blurriness. Additionally, we applied specialized software to reduce visual and audio noise, enhancing the clarity and sharpness of the video recordings. These technical interventions greatly improved the overall quality of the media materials, making them more accessible and informative for researchers, historians, and the general public. Videos are stored in two formats - pre-processed and post-processed.
3
"Scanning the exhibits of the Chornobyl Museum and presenting them in digital format is key to preserving this unique heritage and passing on the lessons of history to future generations."
Artifacts
During the digitization project of the exhibits at the National Chornobyl Museum, we used advanced scanning technologies that allowed us to convert various objects - from personal belongings of the liquidators, photographs, and documents, to artistic creations - into a digital format with high resolution.
Each exhibit was meticulously processed, ensuring the most accurate reproduction of details and colors. The digital presentation of the exhibits in an online format not only provides broad public access to the museum's unique collection but also ensures the preservation of these valuable items for future generations, allowing for a deeper understanding and study of the historical significance of the Chornobyl disaster.
Each exhibit was meticulously processed, ensuring the most accurate reproduction of details and colors. The digital presentation of the exhibits in an online format not only provides broad public access to the museum's unique collection but also ensures the preservation of these valuable items for future generations, allowing for a deeper understanding and study of the historical significance of the Chornobyl disaster.
EXHIBIT "OKIAGARI-KOBOSHI" IN THE NATIONAL CHОRNOBYL MUSEUM
The unique symbol of solidarity and resilience in the face of nuclear disasters. This Japanese doll, symbolizing luck and endurance, is historically associated with the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture. After the Great Earthquake of 2011, these dolls became an embodiment of the Tohoku residents' creed - "never give up". In 2017, Japanese artist Kenzo Takada introduced the project "Okiagari-Koboshi for Fukushima: Solidarity from Ukraine" at the museum, showing support for the victims of the natural disaster. The uniqueness of these Okiagari-Koboshi lies in their creation from thousands of recycled origami cranes sent to Hiroshima, and in their decoration by Ukrainian liquidators, children, and renowned artists, symbolizing the shared ability of both nations to courageously and patiently overcome difficulties. This exhibit not only connects two cultures but also reminds us of the importance of cooperation and hope in overcoming the aftermath of nuclear disasters.
Working with cultural heritage?
If you are interested in collaboration or accessing digital exhibits, please fill out the feedback form and tell us about your project.
* - By filling out this form, you consent to the processing of your personal data.
VR excursion to Chornobyl
A virtual trip to Chornobyl and back to the Future
Valeriy Korshunov
Director
"Thanks to the VR tour, museum visitors can view exhibits in a virtual format and hear their stories. The project includes a variety of content: from exhibits of the current exhibition to unique archival fund objects, such as documents, photographs, radiation maps, and more, which were previously not accessible to the general public. Visitors can also visit the Chornobyl zone right from the museum, even during military state restrictions, thanks to the stunning realism of the VR tour."
Dissemination: Media about the project
Київ Цифровий
Укр Погляд
the Page
Edinstvennaya.ua
Partners
Go back to Main page - Chornobyl.eu
European Institute of Chornobyl NGO on a social networks