10/06/2024
For 2.5 years, war has ravaged our homeland. We all hoped for a swift end to these dreadful events, but the reality has proven far harsher and longer-lasting than we could have imagined. In these challenging times, we are forced to fight not only for our present but also for our past and history, preserved in Ukraine's archives.
Unfortunately, our archives have suffered severely. The destruction of the SBU archive in Chernihiv has been a tremendous loss for our history. The occupiers stole priceless historical documents from the State Archive of the Kherson Region, causing irreparable damage to our cultural heritage. Archives in occupied territories, such as Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, remain under threat of destruction or theft. The building of the regional archive in Kharkiv has been damaged due to shelling, and cities across Ukraine continue to suffer under constant attacks.
In the context of war, we face numerous dangers and problems, among which is the excruciating loss of our historical heritage. Every destroyed or stolen document represents a loss of a part of our collective memory, roots, and identity.
But we do not give up. Our team continues to work despite all the difficulties. We believe that knowledge of one's ancestors helps us maintain a connection with our history, our land, and our families. We are doing everything possible to stay connected with you so that you can learn more about your Ukrainian ancestors, ensuring that none of them is forgotten in the turmoil of events.
Together, we are strong. Together, we can preserve and pass our heritage on to future generations.
Sincerely,
GeneaLab