In 2010 Tessa West visited Kherson with the aim to finish the compilation of material, containing the facts about Howard’s living in Kherson. Kherson CCI prepared for Ms. West meetings with local historians, assisted an investigation of archives, points of interest, concerning Howard’s life, museum and libraries visiting. On February, 2012, Kherson CCI organized in Kherson regional universal scientific library of Oles Honchar the literary soiree, dedicated to Howard’s activity. Many people, interested in native town history and humanism ideas were invited. Among them: local historians, filing clerks, historicians, professors and students of Kherson universities, pupils, representatives of public organizations. The central event of soiree was Skype communication with Tessa West.

The book of Tessa «The Curious Mr. Howard» - is a fresh perspective not only on Humanist’s activity, but on his extraordinary personality. Taking into account what invaluable contribution in Human Rights understanding John Howard did, and to pay the tribute to his memory in country of inhumation, it will most like if this book is available for all the Ukrainian readers, especially — in Kherson.

The translation of abovementioned literary writing into Russian, initiated by The Kherson Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with Kherson State University, is successfully finished, thanks to Department of Translation Studies and Applied Linguistics of the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of Kherson State University, especially, to assistant professor of Department, - Еlena G. Hun and the Dean of the Faculty, Doctor of Philology, Professor Vladislava V. Demetska. Thanks to their meticulous work, this unique work of a writer, describing the life of great Howard’s person, is ready for publishing in Kherson.  

Dear friends, history lovers, who appreciate the ideas of humanism, patriots of Kherson and all the concerned people, let’s cooperate our efforts and help the translated version to see the light! Your patronship will be accepted with deep gratitude. According to the Copyright Agreement between the Kherson Chamber of Commerce and Industry and British publisher, the translation of «The Curious Mr. Howard» will be published only with non-commercial purpose: for delivery to schools, libraries and museums, for Kherson habitants familiarization with Howard’s personality, and to inoculate humanity ideas to young people.

We invite you to call us by number (0552) 325238, 425119, Center of International Cooperation of the Kherson Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
John Howard (1726-1790) was born in 1726 in the family of London wealthy upholsterer. He inherited a substantial wealth and directed his efforts to philanthropy: betterment and humanization of prison conditions, education and housing for poor people, liquidation of contagions. In 1774 Howard initiated the enactment of two laws, which laid the foundation of prison reform in England. In 1777 he had published the book "The state of the prisons in England and Wales", which paid attention of society on subhuman conditions the prisoners suffered under. During many years British Philanthropist traveled around Europe, investigating and improving condition of prisons, hospitals and antiplague establishments. Arriving to Kherson in 1789 Howard participated in plague pestilence liquidation, healed the sick, using his own funds. He won the honor and affection of citizens thanks to his meritorious activity. Visiting the sick, Howard caught typhus and died on January, 1790, in Kherson, where was inhumed. On Ushakov avenue (Howard street precedently) the monument in the form of sun-dial was built in honor of prominent Humanist and Reformer.