On April 11, 2025, the first event of the seminar series “Unforgettable Names” took place at The Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum. The event was dedicated to Lithuanian writer and engineer Kazys Almenas (1935–2017).
The event was moderated by literary scholar Prof. Dalia Kuizinienė, who introduced the seminar series initiated by the VMU Lithuanian Emigration Institute. The idea behind the series was to commemorate and remember the cultural and social figures of the Lithuanian diaspora whose anniversaries are being observed in 2025.
The event dedicated to writer Kazys Almenas began with a lecture by Prof. Egidijus Aleksandravičius, titled “Kazio Almeno šienapjūtė ir kitas derlius“ (Kazys Almenas’ Haymaking and Other Harvests) Aleksandravičius, who had a close personal relationship with Almenas, shared memories of their conversations and discussions, and gave an overview of the writer’s, publisher’s, and physicist’s key accomplishments. The professor reflected on possible directions of Almenas’ biography, presenting his unique personality and life path. He recalled what could be called a nearly testamentary conversation with Almenas, in which the writer emphasized the most important areas of his work that gave meaning to his life: the depths of fundamental physics and his mission as a writer.
Almenas dedicated most of his active professional life to engineering and scientific research, working on the construction of nuclear power plants and consulting on safety system improvements for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. Like many children of the DP (Displaced Persons) generation, he was encouraged by his parents to pursue practical sciences. However, he never explained in detail how he chose physics. His path to writing was rooted in the lifestyle of children in DP camps – where, lacking entertainment, they would tell each other stories based on what they had read, heard or experienced themselves. Almenas compared the inclination to storytelling to the laws of physics: he believed storytelling and writing were as mysterious as the evaporation of water.
According to Almenas, literature lacked engaging, adventure-driven stories grounded in reality. His 1970 novel “Šienapjūtė” (Haymaking), published in Soviet Lithuania, is one of his most captivating historical adventure texts, set in 18th century Lithuania. The novel was later reissued in independent Lithuania under the title “Pjūties metas” (Harvest Time), and a third edition is currently in preparation. In 1993, Almenas conceived and launched the “Skomantas” series – historical adventure stories about Lithuania’s past aimed at young readers. He sought to involve other authors in this initiative in order to fill the gap in popular historical literature for teenagers and youth.
After Prof. Aleksandravičius’ inspiring lecture, attendees watched a video interview by filmmaker Henrikas Gulbinas with Kazys Almenas. In the video, interviewer Aleksandravičius encouraged and prompted Almenas to recall his exotic travels, literary aspirations, and historical contexts.
In the final part of the event Prof. Jurgis Vilemas, a longtime head of the Lithuanian Energy Institute and nuclear energy engineer, shared his memories of Almenas’ work as an engineer and scientist. Almenas was one of the first diaspora scientists to contribute to ensuring the safe operation of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. He initiated the establishment of the plant’s Safety Analysis Group, aimed at bringing together Lithuanian scientists capable of conducting safety assessments for the facility.
The participants of Friday’s seminar pieced together a mosaic-like portrait of Kazys Almenas – as both a writer and a scientist. This first event confirmed the successful format of the upcoming “Unforgettable Names” seminar series.
Photos by Andrėja Taranda.
