The UNWLA is pleased to present an interview with Tamara Denysenko about the Ukrainian exhibit at the Irondequoit Public Library, a cherished display that has been running for nearly a decade. Recorded by the UNWLA National Educational Chair Anna Petelina.
Anna Petelina: What were the initial goals behind establishing the permanent Ukrainian exhibit at the Irondequoit Public Library, and what impact does it have on fostering cultural understanding in the community?
Tamara Denysenko: The initial goal was to share and promote Ukrainian culture and history, document and highlight the Ukrainian American community and individuals’ contribution to our Town of Irondequoit, which has the largest Ukrainian population in the Greater Rochester area and where our Ukrainian Federal Credit Union is headquartered. Several Ukrainian churches have also been an integral part of the Irondequoit community for many years.
A.P.: Could you share a bit about the types of exhibits that have been most popular or meaningful?
T.D.: Since 2015, when our new library was built – the most popular exhibits were Ukrainian arts, crafts, religious artifacts and embroidery. Over the years, I created exhibits about historical events, the Holodomor, Taras Shevchenko and Ukrainian writers, Ukrainian women – past and present, Ukrainian-American veterans, community, church and individual family histories, and local Ukrainian artists, and photographers.
A.P.: How do you curate the content for the exhibit? Are there specific themes or partnerships that shape the displays?
T.D.: I used many personal artifacts, researched and created informational posters and panels, reflecting holidays, historical events and community activities such as Open World programs.
A.P.: What other organizations or community groups do you collaborate with to create and maintain the exhibits?
T.D.: I try to reach out to our diverse community to participate in the exhibits. I was successful in doing joint exhibits with the Susan B. Anthony Museum, the Ukrainian Rochester Collection at the University of Rochester, Plast, ROC Maidan and UNWLA.
A.P.: What challenges have you faced in maintaining or expanding the Ukrainian exhibit, and how have you addressed issues like funding, content selection, or audience engagement?
T.D.: The main challenge is to engage community members to share their archives, arts & crafts, family history in the exhibit for about three months. I coordinate the exhibits on a volunteer basis, as a labor of love. Our UAC Foundation at Ukrainian FCU has been making small annual contributions to the Irondequoit Public Foundation since 2015 in appreciation for the exhibit space and for being able to have our UAC Foundation logo featured on the Library wall.
A.P.: How do you promote the exhibit locally and beyond? Have you worked with local media or newsletters to raise awareness, and how do you engage the Ukrainian community to contribute?
T.D.: I mostly use personal contact, and social media, Facebook, to promote the exhibit.
A.P.: Have you tracked any metrics (e.g., attendance, media mentions) to measure the exhibit’s impact?
T.D.: I haven’t tracked any metrics but do get feedback from the library director, staff and others who come to the library for books that they walk by the exhibit and really like it. The exhibit is right next to the Irondequoit Historical Society exhibit. I’m also a member of the Society.
A.P.: What advice would you share with other UNWLA branches interested in starting similar exhibits?
T.D.: Build a good relationship with the library administration. Determine if they would be interested in allocating a permanent location in the library for the Ukrainian exhibit. If not a permanent, then at least in coordination with their activities. I was fortunate to have a strong and long-time relationship with our Town government and library leadership when the new library was being built next to the Town Hall. I made the suggestion to include an exhibit gallery in the new library, which would feature the Irondequoit Historical Society and our Ukrainian American community.
A.P.: Are there any plans to expand the exhibit or introduce new types of Ukrainian cultural programming?
T.D.: The exhibit will not be expanded since there is no more room in the library. As needed, we hold Ukrainian events in the library community rooms. Since 2015, I held informational meetings at the Library featuring Open World delegations, delegations from Ukraine, Holodomor Remembrance, a Ukrainian Community poetry book presentation, Ukrainian Independence Day programs. This coming Wednesday, we are holding the book presentation Red Harvest on the Holodomor, by Michael Cherkas, in coordination with Lesia Telega and UNWLA Branch #120.
A.P.: What criteria do you use to select Ukrainian books (for both kids and adults, in Ukrainian and English), and do you collaborate with publishers, bookstores, or distributors to source them?
T.D.: I’m not involved in selecting Ukrainian books specifically for the library, but I do sometimes donate books to the library. We will be donating a copy of Red Harvest. You can see what Ukrainian themed books are currently in our library system, via the link: https://catalogplus.libraryweb.org/?section=search&term=ukrainian.
All the best, Tamara Denysenko, a coordinator of the Ukrainian Cultural Exhibits at the Irondequoit Public Library since 2015.
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You can find more photos from the exhibit here: Facebook Photo Album.
If you’re a UNWLA member involved in organizing Ukrainian cultural exhibits or library projects in your region and would like your work featured on the UNWLA website, please contact Anna Petelina, National Education Chair, at education@unwla.org.
Additionally, if you’re interested in launching a similar project and would like guidance from colleagues experienced in this field, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you!
