The US Department of State, the Interagency Working Group on Scientific Collections (IWGSC), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) are working together to help identify, and where possible assist with efforts to save/protect priceless Ukrainian archival, cultural, and scientific collections under threat. They are requesting your help in quickly identifying relevant collections in Ukraine and their needs. Please use the Google Form link below to provide information about respective collection(s), including descriptions, locations, special needs, and points of contact. Please submit one form entry for each collection. The data submitted will be stored in a secure database with the US State Department. 

Online Information Collection Form:  Ukrainian Archival, Cultural, and Scientific Collections.

Please distribute to your networks as appropriate. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katelynn Averyt, Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative via AverytK@si.edu.

Webinar Now Available: A Dialogue with Ukrainian Museum Leaders on Defending and Preserving Culture and Identity in a Time of War 

On May 2, the National Museum of American Diplomacy hosted a discussion with Ukrainian museum leaders who reported on efforts to protect their collections and preserve Ukraine’s identity and cultural heritage threatened by Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war. The recording is now available at A Dialogue with Ukrainian Museum Leaders - YouTube.

CERF+: Protecting Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage

On April 26, Dr. Richard Kurin, SCRI founder and Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large, joined the CERF+ board for lunch during their spring meeting in Washington, DC. For a report on the insight he shared regarding Russia’s attack on Ukrainian culture and our collective responsibility to protect Ukrainian heritage, see Protecting Ukraine's Cultural Heritage: A Special Report on Cultural Recovery - CERF+ (cerfplus.org).

Founded in 1940, the Society of Architectural Historians is an international nonprofit membership organization that promotes the study, interpretation and conservation of architecture, design, landscapes and urbanism worldwide. SAH serves a network of local, national and international institutions and individuals who, by profession or interest, focus on the built environment and its role in shaping contemporary life. SAH promotes meaningful public engagement with the history of the built environment through advocacy efforts, print and online publications, and local, national and international programs.