Protecting Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage During War
How Partners and Government Use Technology to Build Cultural Resilience Together
Remains of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2022) by Bohdan PoshyvailoCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
For over two decades the U.S. has helped the Ukrainian people preserve their unique cultural identity, including centuries-old sites, architectural landmarks, & invaluable artifact collections. These endeavors reflect the resilience and rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.
Iconostasis Installation (2008) by U.S. Embassy KyivCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Between 2002 and 2022, the U.S. provided more than $1.7 million to support cultural preservation projects in Ukraine. In early 2023, it committed an additional $7 million to protect and preserve Ukraine's cultural heritage from damage caused by Russia's war of aggression.
This sustained support underscores the commitment to safeguarding Ukraine's historical and cultural legacy
CyArk Jagellonian University Workshop on digitization by CyArkCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
CyArk Preventive Protection of Cultural Heritage
CyArk and Ukrainian NGO Archaïc held a training for Ukrainian museum professionals on using 3D documentation techniques to record archaeological collections that are threatened by the ongoing conflict.
The 15 participants came from 4 institutions, including two in frontline locations--the Khortytsia National Reserve in Zaporizhzhya, and the Dmytro Yavornytsky National Historical Museum of Dnipro.
Ukraine UCHRI Jagellonian University 1 (2023-09-01/2023-11-30) by CyArkCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Over 178 endangered archaeological resources were documented, providing Ukrainian institutions with critical data they will need later to repair and restore damaged heritage.
To learn more about this project visit: https://www.cyark.org/projects/preserving-ukraine/exhibit
Mobile App Screen shot from ICCROM (2023) by ICCROMCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
ICCROM Risk Mapping and Data Analysis
In 2023, ICCROM trained a team of 25 Ukrainian cultural first responders on emergency documentation, damage and risk assessment tools, and technologies for the recovery of heritage in Ukraine. Training included data collection at 17 damaged and at-risk sites on the frontlines.
ICCROM First Aiders assess Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2023) by International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Participants of the recent training are now better equipped to monitor identified risks, a significant step forward in safeguarding cultural heritage.
ICCROM "First Aiders" in Ukraine (2023) by ICCROMCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The training fostered the development of a network of Ukrainian and international institutions and stakeholders doing emergency assessments.
Working together throughout the network will streamline the collation of damage and risk data from various sources, enhancing the effectiveness of response strategies.
World Monuments Fund (WMF) Urgent Stabilization
When Ukraine declared independence in 1918, its parliament met in the Kyiv Pedagogical Museum, now affectionately known as the "Teacher's House." Over a century later, this landmark houses the Pedagogical Museum and exhibits on the 1917–1921 Ukrainian Revolution
October of 2022, a rocket impact targeting a nearby intersection knocked out over 500 square meters of glass in the iconic dome of the Teacher’s House in Kyiv City. With help from the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Response Initiative, WMF and local partners have repaired the glass.
The team will also scan the building in order to create a three-dimensional rendering of the dome. The ultimate goal of the project is the rehabilitation of the site, with the hope that it will be fully functional after the war.
UNESCO, Ukrainian and international partners, are working to assess, document, and conserve the paintings of Maria Prymachenko and other damaged artifacts at the Ivankiv Museum. This initiative will safeguard these cultural treasures and ensure their stories endure. The team will also lay the groundwork for an online platform exhibition of works by Ukrainian women artists in local collections, showcasing their creativity and legacy.
In recent months and years, the courage and strength of Ukraine’s people has been extraordinary. They are doing whatever it takes to preserve their communities, history, and culture while fighting for their very lives and liberty. The United States is unwavering in its support for the Ukrainian people and their cultural heritage.
