A Museum Exhibit in honor of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko

Feb. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- A Museum Exhibit in honor of the 200^th Anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko.

This year, the Ukrainian National Museum has prepared an exhibit to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine's greatest literary figure, poet, artist, thinker and freedom fighter. The exhibit opens on March 7^th at 7 pm with a special opening night featuring the recitation and musical presentation of Shevchenko’s poetry as well as a video presentation of the current events on the Maidan. The exhibit features a special collection of rare kobzar’s from the Museum’s library, an assortment of extraordinary posters and a treasure of vintage postcards.  Interspersed among these artifacts and treasures are antique Ukrainian rushnyky. Sponsored by Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, this exhibit continues through April 27, 2014.

An orphaned serf, Taras Shevchenko was a fearless poet who suffered imprisonment and exile to become the voice of his people. Shevchenko’s influence on facets of Ukrainian intellectual, literary and national life is still felt to this day. Recognized by the world as the Bard of Ukraine, Shevchenko's poetry served as inspiration to the Ukrainian nation in its fight for freedom and independence. As a historical and political activist Shevchenko gave forceful expression to his countrymen’s sentiment at a time when culture and language was being suppressed by the Russian czar.  In his poem published in 1857, Shevchenko asked

“When will we greet

Our own George Washington at last

With the new law of righteousness”

Beloved and renowned for his literature, poetry and art, Taras Shevchenko was also honored for his fight for freedom and against slavery and serfdom. A notable page in Shevchenko's life was his friendship with Ira Aldridge, an African American who became a well-known British actor.

Admission for the Opening Night is $10.00. The Ukrainian National Museum is located in the heart of the Ukrainian Village, at 2249 West Superior Street in Chicago. Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm General admission: Adults $5.00, Children under 12 - Free.

Free Parking is available beside the Museum. For driving instructions, visit the Museum's website at www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org. For additional information, e-mail info@UkrainianNationalMuseum.org or call (312) 421-8020.

Travel Instructions:

From I-90/94 West on Division to Oakley, then south on Oakley to Superior.

From I-290  North on Western to Chicago, East on Chicago to Oakley, then South on Oakley to Superior.

From downtown (Michigan & Chicago) #66 Chicago Ave bus West to Oakley, then South on Oakley to Superior