The International Council on Archives (ICA) is proud to announce the launch of the second project of its Ukrainian Archives Digitization Project, building upon the remarkable success of the first project. This initiative, steered by the International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas (ALIPH), stands as a crucial effort to safeguard Ukraine’s invaluable cultural heritage in times of war.
The first project, successfully concluded in 2023, achieved several significant outcomes:
- Development of a comprehensive emergency digitization manual tailored specifically to the needs of Ukrainian regional archives. This manual has become an indispensable resource, guiding preservation efforts across the country.
- Provision of essential digitization equipment to participating archives, enhancing their capacity for rapid and efficient archival records preservation.
- Successful implementation of pilot digitization projects in four key archival centers, including those in Kherson, Chernihiv, Mykolayiv, and the Central State Audiovisual and Electronic Archive of Ukraine.
- Delivery of specialized training workshops, equipping archivists with critical skills in emergency preservation techniques and digital asset management.
Valéry Freland, Executive Director of ALIPH, said:
Archives are a crucial element for retaining a nation’s memory and identity. ALIPH has supported this initiative because we are confident that ICA’s scientific expertise and broad network will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Ukrainian Archives Digitization Project and the preservation of Ukraine’s heritage for future generations.
The second project marks a significant expansion of the project’s scope, encompassing 20 archives throughout Ukraine. This aims to implement the emergency digitization strategies developed in the first project on a broader scale, addressing the urgent need to preserve Ukraine’s rich documentary heritage in the face of potential threats.
Key components of the next project include:
- Implementing digitization projects across all 20 participating archives, significantly increasing the volume of preserved materials
- Conducting specialized training workshops led by local and international experts, enhancing local capacity for long-term preservation efforts
- Refining the emergency digitization manual based on diverse practical experiences gathered from the expanded network of archives
- Developing scalable strategies for broader application in similar crisis situations globally, creating a model for cultural heritage protection
Josée Kirps, ICA President, noted:
Archives are the bedrock of cultural identity and historical understanding. They provide invaluable insights into our past and serve as guideposts for our future. The ICA is deeply honored to be part of this expanded digitization effort in Ukraine. This project underscores our commitment to supporting archival heritage, especially in times of crisis.
We are also grateful for the generous funding provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Ukraine Cultural Heritage Response Initiative. This support underscores the international community’s commitment to preserving Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage.
Another crucial partner has been the State Archival Service of Ukraine who has supported this initiative by identifying participating archives and facilitating the project’s implementation on the ground. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable in ensuring the project’s success and relevance to Ukraine’s specific needs. Anatolii Khromov, Head of the State Archival Service of Ukraine said:
Cooperation with the International Council on Archives and support from the U.S. Department of State allowed us to implement another ambitious digitization project. Scaling up such a project is a vivid example of how the international community is uniting to preserve cultural heritage, especially in these difficult times. We are grateful for this solidarity. This is an investment in the future of our country. We are creating a solid foundation for the preservation of national memory and providing access to archival materials for future generations of researchers and citizens. I am confident that the results of this project will have far-reaching consequences.
As the project moves forward, the ICA remains committed to transparency and collaboration. Regular updates on the project’s progress will be shared with the international archival community and stakeholders, fostering a global dialogue on best practices for heritage preservation in challenging contexts.
For more information about the project, please contact us at programme@ica.org.
