Heartache (and More Visitors) at Ukrainian National Museum

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visits the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago.

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WDCB 90.9 FM · The Arts Section: Bittersweet Times at Ukrainian National Museum

“We ordered 70 (Ukrainian) flags, and they sold out within 2 days. These were visitors, who just came to the museum. These are non-Ukrainians, they have no Ukrainian heritage, they just want to show their support.” - Lydia Tkaczuk, president of the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago board, talking about the support the museum has seen in recent weeks.

Lydia Tkaczuk, board president of the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago

A Chicago museum has turned into a hub of sorts for local residents looking to support Ukrainian causes. The world’s eyes have been on Ukraine for the past month as Russia continues its violent invasion. Many Chicago-area residents looking to help Ukrainians have turned to a local institution that’s been around for 70 years, the Ukrainian National Museum.

A look at one of the exhibition spaces in the Ukrainian National Museum

The Ukrainian National Museum was founded in 1952 by a group of displaced scholars. The goal was to establish a museum and archives that would commemorate the lives of those forced to leave their homeland and celebrate Ukrainian culture. Today, the Chicago metro area is home to a large Ukrainian population.

You can find more information about the museum by visiting ukrainiannationalmuseum.org