Exhibition activities of Ukrainians in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s and 1930s as an important tool for promoting culture and history

Abstract

The article aims to investigate and identify the various forms of exhibition activities conducted by the Ukrainian émigré community in Czechoslovakia during the period 1920-1941, acknowledging these activities as a pivotal component of cultural, educational, and enlightenment efforts dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Ukrainian science, culture, and traditions. The study’s scholarly contribution lies in its focused analysis of the exhibition practices of the Ukrainian intelligentsia in exile within the Czechoslovak Republic and in revealing their importance in the dissemination and promotion of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The research methodology is grounded in general scientific principles, encompassing analytical and logical methods; broadly historical approaches such as historical-problematic and historical-chronological analyses; and a range of specialized source-critical techniques including source criticism, classification, and typology. The application of bibliographic and archival heuristic methods enabled a systematic identification, processing, and organization of relevant materials. Moreover, concrete-historical sources, documents and materials contemporaneous to the studied period that reflect specific events or individual contributions, were integral to the inquiry. Conclusion. Operating under the frameworks established by the Czechoslovak government, a range of institutions, educational entities, societies, museums, and other organizations actively engaged in cultural and educational initiatives. These bodies organized numerous exhibitions showcasing books and other collections, thereby facilitating the promotion of Ukrainian culture and historical identity. A substantial proportion of these exhibitions were thematic, portraying Ukrainians as a community dedicated to preserving their cultural identity and, fundamentally, to the realization of an independent statehood. Many of the publications exhibited retain their scholarly and historical significance, serving not only as important artifacts within the context of Ukrainian scientific publishing history but also as meaningful contributions to Ukrainian science across diverse fields. This cultural work also involved significant participation from young Ukrainian scholars and students embarking on their academic and pedagogical careers. Notably, the support of the local Czechoslovak population, particularly in urban centers such as Prague, Poděbrady, and Brno, proved considerable. By the late 1930s, exhibition activities had evolved into a prioritized domain for museums and libraries; however, this area still require further comprehensive and detailed scholarly investigation.