From DP to DC, Displaced Persons: A story of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe 1945 - 1952.

Oct. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- The Ukrainian National Museum invites you its new exhibit “From DP to DC, Displaced Persons: A story of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe 1945 - 1952.” The exhibit opens on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7 pm. Guest speakers and authors Dr. Mark Wyman, Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk and Dr. Myron Kuropas are scheduled during the opening weekend’s special events concluding Sunday, November 6, 2011.

Having survived the brutal and bloody turmoil of World War II, Ukrainian refugees found themselves in DP camps facing an uncertain future.  Housed in cramped military barracks and war ravaged buildings, their sustenance was crude and dismal. Many who faced forced repatriation to the Soviet Union with the certainty of torture, exile or death, chose suicide.  

The Ukrainian DPs were able to overcome their circumstances and create a society out of the chaos, stability in the midst of despair and they built a strong community in the camps. These incredible people did more than survive their circumstances: they thrived by creating schools, theater groups, sports competitions and places where they could worship.  The history of DPs and their experience is remarkable because of its scope and the positive impact it had on the lives of millions of people. The lessons learned by those Displaced Persons translated into optimism, determination and the ability to develop a viable community in America, and ultimately, here in Chicago.  

Included in the exhibit are artifacts, documents and photographs from the archives of the Ukrainian National Museum as well as items on loan from refugees of the DP Camps of the 1940’s and 50’s.  Interactive aspects of the exhibit will allow surviving DPs to continue to share their stories and add to the exhibit.

Event Sponsors: The Heritage Foundation of First Security Federal Savings Bank and The Selfreliance Foundation of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union.

Exhibit Details:  
From DP to DC, Displaced Persons: A story of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe 1945 - 1952. Exhibit opens November 4, 2011 continuing through January 31, 2012.

Speakers and authors:
•   Dr. Mark Wyman, DPs: Europe's Displaced Persons, 1945-1951,
•   Dr. Lubomyr Y. Luciuk, Searching For Place: Ukrainian Displaced Persons, Canada, and the Migration of Memory and,
•   Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, Ukrainians of Chicagoland.

Ticket Information:
Opening Weekend Admission (Nov 4 thru 6, 2011): $20 per person, $10 for current Museum members, children under 12 free with parent.

Museum Information:
Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60612.
(312) 421-8020   www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org  info@UkrainianNationalMuseum.org  

Regular Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. Regular Admission: Adults $5.00, Children under 12 - Free. Free parking adjacent to museum. Please contact the museum to schedule group tours.

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The Ukrainian National Museum boasts a library, permanent collections and extensive archives and an exhibit hall. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and serves as a resource for research, the artifacts and records of the Ukrainian Immigration.