Doctor of geography Petro Oryshkevych (1909–1982): the way of life and scientific heritage

Abstract

After the Second World War, many Ukrainian intellectuals were forced to leave their native land, but they still remained as true patriots of their land and had carried out Ukrainian research studies. The article is devoted to the activity of famous Ukrainian researcher who lived in the USA – Petro Oryshkevych (1909–1982) – a doctor of geography, a teacher, a public figure, director of the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies of Greater Washington, a correspondent member and secretary of the Branch of the Shevchenko Scientific Society in Washington. The main achievements of the scientist in publishing activities were illuminated. The article describes Peter Oryshkevych as a teacher in many educational institutions of different countries: gymnasiums, seminary, trade and high schools in Peremyshl, Lviv, Zolochiv, Dillingen (Germany), Washington (USA). The contribution of Petro Oryshkevych in the creation (in 1957) and development of the Branch of the Scientific Society of Taras Shevchenko in Washington, where he was a Corresponding Member and Secretary of the Branch, is highlighted. The role of Petro Oryshkevych in the development of the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies of Greater Washington is described. The description of the most important researcher’s works, which concern the learning of geography of Ukraine, and his scientific activity in emigration in the USA were given. In particular, the main works of the scientist were considered. Among them are Ukrainians of Zasyannya (1962), Introductory Geography of Ukraine and Ukrainian Settlements (1974), Geography of Ukrainians (Rusyny) of Great Washington (1981). Petro Oryshkevych had left a remarkable trace in Ukrainian geography. His scientific research is widely known both among Ukrainians abroad and in Ukraine. Key words: Petro Oryshkevych, Ukrainian studies, Schools of Ukrainian studies, Shevchenko Scientific Society, schooling, Foreign Ukrainians, diaspora.