Oct 17, 2017 Sharing the Story of Nuclear Weapons Testing Through the Downwinders of Utah Archive

Nuclear weapons testing – something we hear about often in the news today. The image of a nuclear detonation producing a devastating blast and the deadly mushroom cloud souring high into the atmosphere immediately floods our minds. What we expect to see only in movies or video games is a real part of our nation’s history – in fact, nuclear weapons were tested in our own backyard, resulting in devastating impacts within the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah and the nation.

The story begins with nuclear weapons testing conducted in a remote area of the Nevada desert known as the Nevada Test Site. From 1951 – 1992, the United States Government conducted over 900 test detonations utilizing a variety of nuclear weapons. The tests released large amounts of radiation into the atmosphere that drifted away from the test site and impacted nearby communities. Individuals who were exposed to nuclear fallout have experienced ongoing health problems, loss of life, and generational impacts that continue to this day – these are the “Downwinders” and this is their story.

The Marriott Library is honored to have developed an educational Archive presenting detailed information on atmosphericnuclear testing and the impacts that resulted in the name of national security. Beginning as a geospatial project designed to map and visualize fallout statistics for Utah counties, the Downwinders of Utah Archive has blossomed into an educational resource and historical retrospective of a period in our nation’s history nearly forgotten. Fallout maps, statistical information, current events, and government documentation comprise the framework of the Archive while oral history interviews share the stories of victims, families, and advocates. It is through this Archive that we endeavor to educate viewers of the impacts of nuclear weapons testing and ensure that this portion of our history is never forgotten.

Viewers interested in learning more about Downwinders and nuclear weapons testing are invited to visit the Downwinders of Utah Archive @ www.downwindersofutah.org

Justin Sorensen | GIS Specialist
Creativity & Innovation Services / GIS Services justin.sorensen@utah.eduView the original article on the Creativity and Innovation Services Blog