Guardians of Culture: Celebrating International Women’s Day

Guardians of Culture

Celebrating Ukrainian Women on International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch through their passion and dedication. For 80 years, our Museum has flourished thanks to the leadership of women — from our origins with the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada to the dedicated volunteers who continue their legacy today. Thank you! 🙏

Please explore a few of our past exhibitions that highlight the accomplishments of Ukrainian women:

In 2014, our Mamyna Sorochka event took attendees on a journey through Ukraine, showcasing vyshyvanky — a traditional folk art passed down through generations of women. Vyshyvanky capture the diversity and history of Ukraine’s various ethnographic regions, while also serving as a powerful symbol of cultural identity.
In 2018, Treasures Rediscovered and Shared showcased Danovia Stechishin’s work in preserving Ukrainian culture through her ethnographic research in folk dance and costuming. She was inspired by her extraordinary grandmother Savella Stechishin, who was awarded the Order of Canada for her impact on the Ukrainian women’s movement in Canada.
Our current exhibit, Making a Museum, depicts the history of our institution and the women who contributed to its creation and growth. We’re excited to announce that Making a Museum has been extended until June 27, giving you more time to immerse yourself in our stories.

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, we also recognize the incredible courage of Ukrainian women on the front lines. As defenders of their homeland, these women continue the legacy of resilience and strength that has always been central to Ukraine’s history. 🇺🇦

We invite you to visit our Museum, explore our stories, and share your stories of extraordinary Ukrainian women with us. Your support ensures that their legacy continues to be shared and celebrated for future generations.

Happy International Women’s Day!

A military paramedic with the call sign “Lastivka” (swallow bird).
Photo: “Lastivka’s” personal archive, source

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Making a Museum:
Safeguarding • Sharing • Celebrating

October 25, 2024 – June 27, 2025

This exhibition honours the Museum's founders and their ongoing contributions over eight decades. It showcases treasured and rarely displayed artifacts, telling the story of our donors, collection, and diaspora while highlighting the Museum's rich history.

Three Years: Ukraine Illustrated

St. Volodymyr Institute and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch present an exhibition featuring eleven artworks from Ukraine Illustrated.

On view in the Art Exhibit and Meeting Room at SVI through the month of March.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 8 International Women’s Day
March 29 & 30 Spring Market at St.Volodymyr Institute
April 6 Behind the Iron Curtain: Making fashion in Soviet, Ukraine, 1945 to 1991 Lecture and film screening
April 13 Palm Sunday
April 18 Good Friday
April 20 Easter Sunday
April 24-27 TUFF Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival

Baba’s Treasures

Spring cleaning? Donate to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Ontario Branch! We’re seeking vintage Ukrainian embroidery, ceramics, wooden items, and pysanky to be resold as Baba's Treasures. Your donations help preserve Ukrainian heritage, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Museum. Keep our culture alive for future generations to enjoy! Please drop off donations at the Museum by March 20, 2025, or contact us for more information. You can shop for Baba’s Treasures at our upcoming Spring Market!

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch is a member of the Canadian Museums Association and the Ontario Museum Association.