The Galt Museum has launched an initiative in support of the sovereign state of Ukraine—a fundraising campaign in support of heritage institutions damaged by the Russian war. The Friends of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum Society shall administer the campaign. All proceeds will be transferred to a fund set up by the State Archival Service of Ukraine for reconstruction projects after the war has concluded.

Since the start of the Russian war in Ukraine, heritage institutions in the country have been under assault including archives, theatres and museums. An archives in Chernihiv was destroyed by fire caused by an air strike with over 13,000 historical case files lost. In Kharkiv, an explosion ripped the façade off an archives and brought down the institution’s climate control systems. As the conflict progresses, more institutions are likely to be affected.

The Galt has a history of collaboration with the State Archival Service of Ukraine. In August 2021, the institutions signed a formal partnership agreement. Galt Archivist Andrew Chernevych helped with planning an international educational event in Kyiv. “Sharing knowledge and building international partnerships is a priority for the institution,” notes Chernevych. “At this time, planning for the future and the security of Ukraine’s cultural heritage is priority.” The educational event has been suspended because of the ongoing military conflict and will be rescheduled.

“The Galt Museum & Archives stands with the Ukrainian people as they fight to assert their independence,” says Galt CEO Darrin Martens. “The opportunity to help build Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure is incredibly rewarding and offers a concrete action that we can easily take here in southwestern Alberta.”

Donations for the campaign can be made online through the Friends of the Galt Museum at friends.galtmuseum.com/support-ukraine.