In Shevchenko’s homeland, XIX-century houses and a 150-year-old windmill were restored
Some restored cultural heritage objects located on the tourist routes were presented in the Taras Shevchenko Homeland National Reserve, Cherkasy region. Repair works were supported by MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation at the initiative of the Ecological Movement of Cherkasy Region NGO.
Taras Shevchenko Homeland National Reserve is comprised of the villages of Moryntsi, Shevchenkove, Budyshche, and Vilshana – all the settlements where Kobzar spent his childhood. He was born in Moryntsi, matured in Kerelivka (Shevchenkove), gained experience as a Cossack in Budyshche, Engelhardt estate, and made his first steps towards recognition and world fame in Vilshana. These villages are not only a part of his life but also an integral part of Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Taras Shevchenko highly valued his homeland. Shevchenko’s parents were laid to rest there, and he repeatedly mentioned the locations in his works. Therefore, it is crucial that in these dark times, when our country is at war, we continue to promote national values, restore important cultural objects, and publish books supported by responsible businesses and active civil society
Cooperation between the Taras Shevchenko Homeland National Reserve and MHP-Gromadi team was established in 2023. Then, the reconstruction of the 150-year-old Budyshche windmill from Taras Shevchenko’s childhood on the territory of the reserve was initiated within the nationwide project intended to support Ukrainian museums, which the Foundation launched in 2022. During the first stage, wings and doors were changed at the facility. The reconstruction continued this summer: the tent-shaped part was restored and the exterior wooden shell was completely changed.
The craftsmen also laid a new floor in the underground room (the miller’s room) near the windmill and started landscaping the surrounding area to be completed next year. A parking lot for tourists, paths, and general landscaping will be added later.
Apart from the windmill, two more XIX-century houses were renovated on the territory of the reserve. Taras Shevchenko’s grandfather lived in one of them, and the poet was born in the other. Reed roofs were made on both houses to save these historical objects from destruction.
The point is that most historical or old buildings, which are more than 100 years old, deteriorate because of bad roofs and ceilings. Thus, it was important to conduct the restoration works quickly – before the rainy and snowy season started, and at the same time keep the authenticity of the houses using natural materials: reeds and straw. For this, craftsmen dealing with houses in the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, Kyiv, were involved in the restoration.
Nowadays, keeping our cultural heritage is as important as supporting the military. Therefore, projects related to culture support are always included in the activities of MHP and MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation. We continue some initiatives in the museum, theater, movie, and publishing sectors that emphasize our identity and unite us as a nation
Yurii Melnyk, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation
A team of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation under the leadership of Nataliia Kryvda visited Moryntsi, who then noted:
Culture is not about leisure alone. It is the space allowing the values and meanings to be born, making the charges we all live for, and some even give their lives to. Culture allows us to be humane and develop our nation. Such places make us respect ourselves, our past, our history, and keep the cultural memory of the nation
Nataliia Kryvda, Head of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation
Representatives of MHP-Gromadi CF and the Taras Shevchenko Homeland National Reserve signed a memorandum to continue their cooperation.