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Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago (UNM), a cultural landmark in the heart of my district, on the occasion of its annual banquet. The UNM prides itself, for good reason, on its museum artifacts, library, and archives, which highlight Ukraine's history, its ongoing fight for freedom and democracy, and the rich culture and contributions made by Ukrainian Americans and Americans of Ukrainian heritage, both to Chicago's cultural tapestry and to that of the United States.
Each one of the four waves of immigration from Ukraine, as well as the generations of American Ukrainians who have followed, have brought with it a wealth of literary, music, artistic, and cultural artifacts, historical testimonials, relics, scientific patents, personal keepsakes and reminders, all of which speak to the importance of Ukrainian heritage and the personal and professional accomplishments of American Ukrainians across our country.
Themselves a part of the third wave of Ukrainian immigrants to the United States, Olexa Hankewych, Julian Kamenetsky and Orest Horodysky, founded the Ukrainian Library and Archival Center in 1952 in order to preserve books and other documents at risk of destruction in Ukraine. Shortly after the establishment of the Library and Archival Center, a call went out to the Ukrainian community, which enthusiastically responded. Several years later the Library and Archival Center grew into the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, fully funded by community donations. While some artifacts in the Museum's burgeoning collection were purchased in Ukraine, others were donated by Ukrainian American collectors and artists, as well as from personal libraries and individuals throughout the community, in Chicago and beyond. Over 100,000 Ukrainian Americans live in Chicago, and I am proud that the Museum has its roots in our great city.
The Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago too has much to be proud of, due to the hard work of its staff, board of directors, and officers. Unfortunately, only two of its past presidents remain with us--Dr. George Hrycelak and Jaroslaw Hankewych, son of the Museum's founder, Olexa Hankewych. Today, under the leadership of Lydia Tkaczuk, the Museum's first female president, the UNM continues its work in one of Chicago's most historic neighborhoods, Ukrainian Village. More than just engaging visitors and adding to their understanding of Chicago's rich and diverse communities, it also serves as a window to Ukraine, its history, and its people.
The Museum's diverse collection of folk-art, fine art, tapestry, traditional dress and artifacts help to illuminate the societal impact American Ukrainians have had on Chicago and across the United States. Its permanent exhibitions educate visitors on the history, heritage, politics, culture and religions of Ukraine and the broader Ukrainian American community, including exhibits on the Kozak period, Ukraine's role in the World Wars and importantly, the Holodomor, the forced famine-genocide of nearly 4 million Ukrainians by Stalin across 1932 and 1933.
Madam Speaker, the Ukrainian National Museum is a place where visitors feel welcomed and engaged. It serves as a pillar of knowledge and culture for the Ukrainian community, for individuals of every background who call our city home, and for all the universities and students, artists, and authors throughout the world who have benefited from work in its archives. The City of Chicago is lucky to house such an institution, and it is my privilege today to recognize the Ukrainian National Museum here in Congress.
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