Road Trip Close To Home: Ukrainian Museum & Library in Stamford
The Ukrainian Museum and Library of Stamford is one of the oldest Ukrainian cultural institutions in North America.
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For nearly 90 years, the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford has preserved and celebrated Ukraine's rich history and culture.
Housed in a historic 19th-century estate, the museum features extensive collections, rare publications and artifacts that tell the story of the Ukrainian people.
"There are really two experiences here," said vice president George Lencyk. "The estate itself and the museum collection."
Located at 161 Glenbrook Road, the museum is housed in "The Chateau," a late 19th-century Second Empire-style villa that was once part of the Quintard Estate. Purchased by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky in 1933, the building is notable for its elaborate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and historic architecture.
Inside, visitors will find one of the oldest and largest collections of Ukrainian artifacts in the United States, including embroidery, textiles, wood carvings, ceramics, and traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs known as pysanky.
"One of the stars of the show is our collection of Ukrainian Easter eggs," Lencyk said. "They come from different regions of Ukraine, with unique colors and designs that reflect local traditions."
The museum also houses approximately 3,000 paintings.
Bishop Paul Chomnycky calls the museum a hidden gem.
"People come through our doors and can't believe the treasures we have here, right under their own noses," he said.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the museum's mission has taken on even greater significance. "He, (Putin) is systematically bombing Ukrainian museums in an effort to erase knowledge of Ukrainian history and culture," Chomnycky said.
"We've had to fight just to keep our existence in existence," added Msgr. John Terlecky.
For Lencyk, the museum serves as more than a cultural institution. It's a safeguard for a heritage under threat.
"We are a repository that is safely preserving these pieces of culture," he said. "People from across the United States and even Ukraine can come here. As cultural treasures are lost to destruction, we're helping preserve them for future generations."
The Connecticut State Ukrainian Day Festival will be held on the grounds at the museum on Sept. 13.
