Ukrainian Americans in New York City
Ukrainian Americans have been present in New York City as early as the 17th century when the city was called New Amsterdam. However, the first Ukrainian mass immigration wave to New York City occurred during 1870-1899, coinciding with other mass European influxes into the city.
The traditional Ukrainian area in New York City is called Little Ukraine, or the Ukrainian East Village, and is located within the East Village neighborhood in Manhattan. Ukrainian population of Little Ukraine topped around 60,000 residents after World War II, which dwindled subsequently. Today about a third of approximately 80,000 Ukrainian Americans living in New York City are residing in Little Ukraine, which is bounded by Houston Street and 14th Street, and Third Avenue and Avenue A.
The Annual Ukrainian Festival takes place on the weekend closest to May 17 on 7th Street between Second and Third Avenues. The festival also borders Taras Shevchenko Place, a small street connecting East 6th and East 7th Streets, named after Taras Shevchenko, a renowned Ukrainian poet, artist and humanist. In the wake of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, support for the supporters of a Ukraine free of Russian intervention built a shrine on Second Avenue and 9th street, which incorporated photographs of victims, flowers and candles.
Religious practices played an important role for early Ukrainian immigrants in New York City, first Ukrainian rite liturgy took place on October 10, 1890 and 15 years later St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church was established.
Ukrainian National Women's League of America was established in New York City in 1925, promoting specifically arts and culture, among other activities. The UNWLA organized folk art exhibitions in New York City and elsewhere in the United States. In 1976 their activities culminated with the founding of The Ukrainian Museum that included permanent exhibitions. The museum was hailed as one of the finest achievements of the Ukrainian American community.
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