Monumental Hrushevsky project seen as invaluable to scholars (06/23/96)

Monumental Hrushevsky project seen as invaluable to scholars

EDMONTON - The board of directors of the Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation met with Dr. Zenon Kohut, director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS), and Dr. Frank Sysyn, director of the Peter Jacyk Center for Ukrainian Historical Research (PJCUHR), on May 25 in order to review their work on the English-language edition of Mykhailo Hrushevsky's monumental 11-volume magnum opus, "History of Ukraine-Rus,'"and to discuss the issues affecting the pace of their progress.

The publication of this fundamental work by Ukraine's most prominent historian is the most ambitious and far-reaching scholarly project ever undertaken by Ukrainians on an international scale. Considered by specialists to be one of the best historical studies of any country in the world, Hrushevsky's "History of Ukraine-Rus'" presents a comprehensive and well-documented synthesis of Ukrainian history. By tracing the distinct development of the Ukrainian people over the course of centuries, it challenges the prevalent Western view, propagated since the 17th century by Russian politicians and historians, that Ukraine is a part of Russia, inseparably linked to its neighbor historically, linguistically and culturally. Thus, the English-language publication of Hrushevsky's work is vital for the further evolution of Ukrainian historical studies in the West.

The English-language edition of the "History of Ukraine-Rus'" will be of particular value to scholarly institutes, universities and high-level government institutions in various countries. The widespread circulation of the history within such institutions will have a positive effect on newly emerging global political and cultural attitudes toward Ukraine, as well as promoting a better understanding of Ukraine's history and its contemporary political and cultural realities. In addition, it will help English-speaking Ukrainians all over the world to better understand their historical and cultural roots.

The publication of the "History of Ukraine-Rus'" in English was Peter Jacyk's primary inspiration for establishing the Peter Jacyk Center for Ukrainian Historical Research. The center was founded in 1989 as a part of the CIUS on the basis of a $1 million donation from this Toronto businessman and philanthropist and a matching contribution of $2 million from the Alberta provincial government in accordance with the "matching funds" program in existence at the time. The interest from this fund has allowed the PJCUHR to hire historians, translators and editors to work on this very challenging project.

Reinforced by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and several smaller donations, The PJCUHR has overseen the successful completion of editorial work on volume 1, slated for publication in 1996, as well as the translation of volumes 2, 3, 7 and 8, and the partial completion of the translation of volumes 4, 6 and 9 (part 1 and 2). Volume 7 is scheduled to appear in 1997. Over all, approximately 65 percent of the original text has already been translated.

In discussing the great value of this publication and its importance in shaping a positive international attitude toward Ukraine, the participants of the May 25 meeting stressed that it is imperative to publish the English translation of Hrushevsky's history as soon as possible in order that its influence may be felt during this critical period in the development of Ukraine's independence. This monumental synthesis of Ukrainian history will be Ukraine's political and philosophical credo, crucially important in influencing international recognition of Ukraine's place in the political hierarchy of Eastern Europe and the world.

However, in order to accomplish their plan, the project organizers must hire more translators and editors, as well as find resources to cover projected printing costs, which are expected to greatly surpass the available funds.

Thus, the Hrushevsky project organizers are appealing to the Ukrainian community in the diaspora to support this very important publication with numerous donations. An entire volume of Hrushevsky's History will be dedicated to each individual or corporate sponsor pledging $100,000 or more. Such benefactors will be named on the title page of their respective volumes as a permanent, unalterable tribute to them and their highly generous and patriotic gesture.

Project organizers are determined to find 11 such sponsors, who will directly benefit by gaining a permanent reputation in international political and scholarly circles as eminent Ukrainian philanthropists, whose names will be remembered by many generations of Ukrainians to come. The organizers are also appealing for smaller donations to cover translation and editing costs. The names of these donors will be published in a special memorial booklet and listed in Ukrainian newspapers.

The English-language publication of Hrushevsky's "History of Ukraine-Rus'" is a project of monumental importance. Its completion is within sight, but we must step up the pace! Do you wish to be a part of the process of correcting centuries-old misinterpretations of Ukrainian history? Do you wish to have an active role in influencing the development of a new international attitude toward Ukraine and its people? Do you want to be recognized by scholars, politicians and future generations of Ukrainians for your patriotism and generosity? If so, please support this project by sending your donations to: "Hrushevsky Project," Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, 352 Athabasca Hall, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E8. All checks should be made payable to "CIUS-Hrushevsky Project."

For additional information contact the CIUS office (Edmonton), (403) 492-2972; fax, (403) 492-4967; or the Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation (Mississauga, Ontario), (905) 238-0467; fax, (905) 625-8445.

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