Historian looks to interview downwinders, family affected by nuclear testing

Historian Sarah Fox, author of “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West." Fox will speak about her research on Oct. 27 at Southern Utah University, Cedar city, Utah | Composite image; image and photos courtesy of Sarah Fox, St. George News

CEDAR CITY — On Oct. 27, historian Sarah Fox, author of “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” will speak at Southern Utah University about her research on these subjects. Her talk begins at 7 p.m.

“Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” written by historian Sarah Fox. Book cover depicts Ed Singer's painting "I Am Downwind" vividly embodies the stories Fox's book, depicting the movement of toxins from nuclear testing and uranium extraction into the landscape and bodies of downwind residents. Fox will speak about her research on Oct. 27 at Southern Utah University, Cedar city, Utah | Book cover image courtesy of Sarah Fox, St. George News
“Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” written by historian Sarah Fox. Book cover depicts Ed Singer’s painting “I Am Downwind” vividly embodies the stories Fox’s book, depicting the movement of toxins from nuclear testing and uranium extraction into the landscape and bodies of downwind residents. Fox will speak about her research on Oct. 27 at Southern Utah University, Cedar city, Utah | Book cover image courtesy of Sarah Fox, St. George News

Prior to her presentation, Fox will be available from 1-4 p.m. at the Gerald R. Sherratt Library in the Leavitt Room to interview local residents who would like to share their story or that of a family member who may have been affected by atomic bomb testing. Digital recordings of these interviews will be made available to the public at the Downwinders of Utah archive at University of Utah as well as the SUU archive, adding important voices from the community to the historical record of this era.

Newspaper clipping annotated March 19, 1953 | Image courtesy of historian Sarah Fox, author of “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West"; St. George News
Newspaper clipping annotated March 19, 1953 | Image courtesy of historian Sarah Fox, author of “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West”; St. George News

Downwinders are the people who lived near atomic bomb tests and later developed cancer and other health problems. If you are interested in having your story recorded, please contact the author by email to set up an interview time for Oct. 27.

Sarah Fox is a writer, folk historian and mother based in Seattle. She holds a master’s degree in history from Utah State University.

“Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West” explores citizen stories of the impact of the uranium industry and the Nevada Nuclear Test site, Fox said. Learn more about Fox and her book online.

Event details

  • What: Sarah Fox discusses “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” interviews downwinders
  • When: Oct. 27; 1-4 p.m., interviewing residents; 7 p.m., speaking on research
  • Where: Leavitt Room, Gerald R. Sherratt Library, Southern Utah University, 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City

Related posts

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

 

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.