In 2022 the UNM received an Illinois State Historical Record Advisory Board (ISHRAB) grant of $4,012.00 to start digitizing the oldest collections, the First WWave immigrants to the USA, utilizing the PastPerfect software. Secretary Gainnoulias has jurisdiction over the Illinois State Library and awards technology grants and is a history buff and wanted to witness how grant money promotes access to information.
President Lydia Tkaczuk greeted the Secretary of State. The Tour guide Jerry Nestor, Archivist Halyna Parasiuk Sarancha, Administrator Orysia Kourbatov, and Board member Marko Pilecky led Mr. Giannoulias on a tour of the museum showcasing the museum’s collection of historical and cultural artifacts, archives, and library. Aileen Kim, Chief Deputy for Public Services for Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, accompanied the Secretary of State and David Joens, Director of the Illinois State Archives, for a brief tour of the museum’s wealth of Ukrainian heritage. Archivist Halyna Parasiuk Sarancha showed several examples of her work.
Secretary Giannoulias was happy with the visit and said he would return with his family for an extended tour.
The UNM is grateful for the support from the State of Illinois and the interest in Ukraine’s history and the Ukrainian American community.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias visits UNM
