Historical Treasures: Customs Officials Seized Valuable Documents

During a customs inspection of a parcel sent from Odesa to the USA, customs officials in Kyiv uncovered significant historical artifacts: an original supplement to the Ukrainian daily newspaper 'Rada' from February 25, 1914, and a postcard featuring 'Taras Shevchenko. Self-Portrait. 1840', printed in Austria in 1946.

The newspaper supplement was a commemorative issue celebrating the 100th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth. The 'Rada' newspaper was published in Kyiv from 1906 to 1914 and played a crucial role in the cultural and political life of Ukrainians. It was published by philanthropist Yevhen Chykalenko, known for his contributions to the Ukrainian movement.

The postcard was initiated by Ukrainians living in Tyrol and Vorarlberg after World War II to commemorate the anniversary of the great Kobzar's death.

The importance and cultural value of these publications have been confirmed by experts from the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.

Both finds belong to low-circulation printed materials of significant cultural and historical value. A proper certificate is required for their export, which customs officials were not provided.

A protocol for the violation of customs regulations has been drawn up by the Kyiv customs according to Article 473 of the Customs Code of Ukraine, and the cultural valuables have been confiscated. The case materials will be forwarded to court.

Additional Information:

The secretary of the 'Rada' newspaper, who handled all editorial documentation in 1906-1907, was a young journalist named Symon Petliura. During the nation-building years of 1917-1921, the 'Rada' newspaper was referred to as a school for public and political development.

The postcard is a rare preserved example of foreign printing, highly sought after by collectors, showcasing the activities of Ukrainians abroad and connected to the memory of Taras Shevchenko.