Read what's NEW below...
Sub Navigation
News & what's happening
Embroidery Documentation Project - Updated
It's July, time for another update as we continue to progress.... seeing that this monumental project will indeed be completed!
The Shymkiw Collection we worked with was recently donated by the family of +Irena Shymkiw, formerly of Winnipeg. Irena was born in Chernylytsia, Ivano Frankivsk and loved the intrinsic Ukrainian embroidery.This collection consists of 114 objects.
The process: all articles were sorted; accession numbers assigned and attached to each unique item; measurements and additional details were noted; data was entered into a template designed especially for MUM; digital photos were taken of each piece; then, all was safely packaged, and lined with acid free tissue for storage. What is left to do is place a photo thumbnail in the digital file of each article - and print out that specific catalogue.
One piece from this collection is on public view in our mini-MUM Vyshyvanka and Bulava display in the vestibule of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George!
The second part of this Embroidery Project is much more extensive. It consists of almost 800 objects of vintage embroideries. Some as old as 200 years. These delicate and extremely rare objects require great care to preserve for the future
The Anna Maria Kowcz Baran Collection came to the Museum in the 1970s. The original owners of these unique and treasured pieces of embroideries and their stories are not known. We call them 'pieces' because that is what the majority of articles are. Some as small as a few centimetres squared. The focus was to get those historic samples out of soviet Ukraine to ensure the technique was not forever lost. Little is known about how exactly the articles left Eastern Europe and got to Canada, where the entire collection was turned over to the Museum. However, what we do know about the story is fascinating and will be told at some point in the future. Today, as russia continues to target and destroy Ukraine's history and its cultural fabric, including damage and destruction to over 1,000 cultural heritage sites, more than ever, we preserve our story.
In the '70s, information known about the embroidery pieces was documented during interviews with Mrs. Baran. In years that followed, accession numbers were assigned and some information was entered in an electronic format. We are blessed to have been able to incorporate much of those meticulously documented details of the dedicated and caring Museum work done all those years ago into today's technological processes.
Our team has grown; the data entry is nearing completion; and, photos are progressing... We continue with our special project!
< • > < • > < • > < • > < • >
This Phase 1 of our Embroidery Documentation Project will develop an outline for moving forward with cataloguing objects in the Museum, while meeting museum collection recording standards and requirements. There are so many valuable and unique items that we need to properly prepare so that we can show them off to you!
Some of the textiles in one of the collections are over 200 years old! It is truly emotional to reflect on Ukrainian life at that time in history; who the people were that created what we treasure decades and generations later. 
Where to start?!
Well, we are starting somewhere!
Our dedicated team has much work to do. We have gathered and will review the records that were previously carefully documented and will confirm those details. Missing information will be collected to the best of our ability.
When complete, and, we'll get there, details and photographs will result in a digitized collection, catalogued for future reference and exhibits. The treasured objects will be carefully and safely stored.
Musée Ukraina Museum expresses our sincere appreciation to The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko for their generous grant in support of cataloguing and documenting these two valuable embroidery collections. Thank-you for seeing and supporting our vision! This funding was made possible through the Heritage Pillar - Collections Management program, which plays an important role in preserving and promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage for future generations.
Previous page: Membership - new or renewal information
Next page: Discover MUM! Visit - Contact - Follow Us