About the Museum

History

The Ukrainian American Archives and Museum (UAAM) was founded in 1958 by Roman and Ivanka Dacko. Upon their arrival to Michigan after World War II, they purchased an imposing building across the street from Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hamtramck, MI. The Dackos began collecting Ukrainian books and subscribing to Ukrainian periodicals. Eventually, they collected folk art, paintings, ceramics, medals, memorabilia, historical documents, and photographs.

The facade of the original UAAM location at Charest & Commor in Hamtramck.

In 1968, the Museum incorporated as a non-profit 501c3 and a Board of Directors was formed. Over time the location proved to be inadequate for the Museum’s increasing collections and events. A larger building was purchased on the main street of Hamtramck, allowing for expanded exhibits and programs suitable for a diverse audience.

The Ukrainian American Archives and Museum (UAAM) is committed to preserving and showcasing its valuable archives, collection of folk art, library, and fine art, by offering tours, lectures, concerts, exhibits, catalogs, and workshops. Foremost, it is a research and educational center on the Ukrainian immigration to Michigan and their contributions to the United States.

We are members of:

American Association of Museums
American Association for State & Local History (AASLH)
Culture Source
Michigan Non-Profit Association
Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of North America

Our Mission

Our mission is to preserve Ukrainian cultural and historical artifacts and to educate the public about Ukrainian immigrant contributions to America by maintaining an archive, library, and museum.

The purpose of the Museum is to:

Document the Ukrainian immigration to the United States and the contributions of Americans of Ukrainian descent.
Engage in research and maintain archives for the deposit of documents and other records relating to these topics.
Acquire, preserve, exhibit artifacts of artistic, historical, and scientific value relating.
Sponsor public programs in order to study and preserve the heritage of Ukrainian Americans.