Archival Collection
Oral History Collection
Ukrainian Famine 1932-33 Collection
DPs (Displaced Persons) Collection
Ukrainian Canadian Servicemen
Prominent Leaders of Ukrainian Community
Archival Policy
The UCRDC archive was initially established in 1988 to organize the large collection of materials pertaining to the 1932-33 Famine in Ukraine. The archival collection, housed in a special climate-controlled room, is constantly growing and now contains legal and government documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, correspondence, audio and video documentation of oral histories, and a collection of unpublished memoirs.
The UCRDC collects material on such topics as:
Oral history is a significant part of the Archive and includes over 800 audio and video interviews in English and Ukrainian. These oral accounts have been catalogued, and the collection of interviews is ever-expanding. There are several distinct categories within this collection:
Interviews were conducted between 1981 and 1988 with survivors of the Ukrainian Famine 1932-33. Topics include the Famine itself, cannibalism, communism, collectivization, religious persecution, the CHEKA, the League of Nations, the O.G.P.U., Torgsin Stores and the Twenty-Five Thousanders. Places mentioned are the North Caucasus, Podillia, the Volga Region, Volyn, and cities and villages in Ukraine.
Transcripts of the sound cassette recordings were published in Oral History Project of the Commission on the Ukraine Famine, vol. 3, Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 1990, pp. 1464-1659. The material from these interviews was used in the production of Harvest of Despair.
Ukrainian, English, German, Russian.
Interviews conducted since 1989 with individuals who witnessed the events of WW II, immigrated and settled in Canada after the war. Respondents include survivors of German and Soviet concentration camps, members of various World War II military formations, and forced labourers. Ukrainian Canadian community leaders within political, cultural and religious institutions are included. Their biographies are recorded. Reference is made to Ukrainian Canadian Committee (UCC), United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), International Refugee Organization (IRO); Ukrainian Division "Halychyna", and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This is an ongoing project.
Ukrainian, English.
Interviews conducted between April 1989 and June 1991 as part of material the Centre is compiling in preparation for a proposed full-length documentary film on Ukrainian Canadian war heroes. Interviewees are Ukrainian Canadian men and women who were members of the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. The entire life history of the individual is recorded with emphasis placed on World War II-related experience: DP Camps, repatriation, training and service in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Ukrainian Canadian Servicemen's Association. Countries mentioned: East Africa, England, Italy, Japan and Holland.
English, Ukrainian.
Interviews conducted since 1991 with prominent Ukrainian activists. Interviewees are individuals who have played a key role within the Ukrainian political arena and have witnessed and actively participated in the democratic processes unfolding within present-day Ukraine. Their biographies, as well as their views on the past, present and future of Ukrainian political and social life, are recorded. They discuss communism, political prisoners, World War II, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), RUKH (the pro-democracy movement), and the Communist Party. Countries mentioned: Ukraine, Australia, Germany, and various cities in the United States.
Ukrainian.
1. Access to the archival holdings of UCRDC is provided
for legitimate researchers, academics and students. Materials available include
video and audio interviews, videos, films, photographs, documents, and books.
2. A registration form must be filled out by users of any UCRDC materials. It includes: name, position, address, telephone, purpose of research, date of visit.
3. UCRDC holdings are not permitted to leave the premises of the UCRDC under any circumstances.
4. Reproduction of UCRDC holdings may be subject to copyright and other restrictions placed on it by the donor. A fee of $25.00 per image for publication of any photo shall be paid to the UCRDC.
5. Photocopies of UCRDC material may be supplied at 25 cents per 8´´ x 11´´ page of copy.
6. Colour laser copies may be supplied at $5.00 per copy.
7. These regulations are subject to revision and application by the UCRDC Staff.