We stand with Ukraine

Secretary Bunch describes the Smithsonian’s efforts to safeguard the cultural and historical heritage of Ukraine.

As the tragic events unfold in Ukraine, I know you are as heartbroken as I am.  As an institution whose mission is to protect and preserve culture and knowledge for future generations, this conflict, distressing on so many levels, is especially difficult to witness. 

I hope you share my pride in the knowledge that the Smithsonian is actively bringing our resources to bear on the ground in Ukraine; our Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative is in communication with contacts in-country who have participated in previous First Aid for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis coursework. SCRI also continues its work with the Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab, our research partnership with the Virginia Museum of Natural History, which is using GIS data to assess damage to cultural sites. We remain in active contact with our interagency partners through the Cultural Heritage Coordinating Committee and continue to facilitate sharing data and knowledge throughout our networks.

As the situation evolves, likely developing into a long-term humanitarian crisis, there will be more ways that the Smithsonian community can help. The Office of International Relations is currently reaching out to partner organizations to develop plans for SI to host displaced and at-risk scholars; if your team or unit is interested in funding, hosting, or otherwise resourcing such appointments, please contact OIR (global@si.edu).

I stand with you all in support of freedom and democracy, and in promoting the preservation of the world’s cultural heritage. As the national museum complex of the United States, we will continue to do all we can to safeguard the cultural and historical heritage of Ukraine, as well as the people that care for it.

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