Collection 0291 - Ukrainian National Hall collection

In 1906 a “Prosvita” society reading room (читальня Товариства “Просвіта”) was founded in Edmonton that later developed into the Ukrainian National Hall (Український народний дім, UNH) organization. After erecting a UNH building in 1917, Ukrainians of Alberta at their national meetings put in place documents regulating the organization activities aimed at growing cultural and national development of the Ukrainian community of Alberta. Ukrainian National Hall in Edmonton has always worked together with the Ukrainian Catholic Unity and often operated under the double name, Ukrainian National Hall/Ukrainian Catholic Unity. Although UNH was considered an independent organization with a separate Statute, at the same time it was deemed a “grassroots unity” of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. UNH had a library and hosted many Ukrainian organizations including dance groups, educational schools, choir, orchestra, etc.

On March 9, 1969, the Ukrainian National Hall, serving the community for over fifty years, burned down. At the beginning of the 1970s Ukrainian community continued discussing whether Ukrainian organization would be interested to rebuilt the UNH through joint efforts. It is unclear when UNH ceased to exist.