Club History

Through its almost 50 years, the Club has participated in many varied activities which exposed the citizenry of Houston and the state of Texas to the history and culture of Ukraine.

Founding of the Club

The Ukrainian American Social and Cultural Club of Houston was established in December 1974 in the home of Oksana and Mike Danylyk. The club was highly active in its first year, establishing traditions such as Independence Day programs, Christmas caroling, decorating a Christmas tree at the Museum of Natural Science, sponsoring guest speakers, organizing an annual picnic, raising funds for scholarships, and participating in folk festivals. The club's focus in 1975 was the preparation for the American Bicentennial celebration in 1976, where it participated enthusiastically by singing at various venues and festivals across Houston.

In its early years club organized numerous events, including an Easter buffet luncheon, academic scholarships, a picnic, a flea market, bake sales, raffles, and performances at various festivals.

The word "Social" was later dropped from the club's name, but it remains active, vibrant, and sociable.

Christmas Tree Project

The club established a tradition of decorating a Christmas tree at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in 1975. Various themes have been used for the decorations, including snowflakes, pysanky, maidens' garlands (vinky), Christmas-card art, traditional Ukrainian décor, embroidery designs, and natural objects.

Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Days Festival

The club has a strong tradition of cooperative endeavors, exemplified by its participation in the Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival. This event celebrates the shared Christianity and unique cultural identities of participating Slavic nations, including Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Croatians, and Slovenians. The Ukrainian community's participation is supported by various organizations, such as the Ukrainian Dancers of Houston, Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church parish, Ukrainian Women's League (Soyuz Ukrainok) Branch 118, and Ukrainian schools.

Ukraine Independence Day

Since its inception, the club has hosted Independence Day events for the community. Initially celebrated in January, the celebration moved to August following Ukraine's declaration of independence in 1991. The club secured many proclamations from the city mayors over the years beginning with 1987 when President Eugene Kuchta accepted a proclamation from Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire. The event features performances by Ukrainian school, choirs, highlighting Ukrainian heritage and aspirations.


UACCH Timeline

1975

The Ukrainian American Social and Cultural Club of Houston formally established (the word Social would later be dropped from the name of the Club)

Anne Polewchak elected president

Activities UACCH began in 1975 that have been repeated over the years:

1976

UACCH participates in USA Bicentennial celebration:

Bellaire International Folk Festival

1978

Sts. Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Days Festival

1982

Texas Folklife Festival

1985-1988

The Texas Trident, newsletter of the UACCH

1986

Ihor Olshaniwsky, President of AHRU, addresses the Independence Day assembly UACCH participates in Texas Sesqicentennial Celebration

Dr. James Mace, staff director of the Ukrainian Famine Commission, lectures at Rice University in conjunction with showing of documentary film "Harvest of Despair"

Cultural display is added to UACCH booth at Texas Folklife Festival

1980s-90s

Participation in Children of Chernobyl activities, fund raising, material contributions

1987

UACCH promotes awareness of Chernobyl Tragedy

HMNS Christmas Tree exhibit features five Ukrainian themed trees decorated by UACCH in celebration of the coming Millennial year

1988

UACCH organizes Ukrainian Millennium Exhibit at Houston Public Library

UACCH sponsors five billboards in Houston as part of the nationwide Ukrainian Millennium Billboard project

1989

Myron Wasylyk, Director of UNIS, addresses the Independence Day assembly

As a means of raising money, sponsorship of Bingo games begins

1991

UACCH joyously welcomes announcement of Ukrainian Independence

Throughout the 1990s, many contributions were made to various Ukrainian organizations, individuals and institutions in our newly independent homeland

1992

President Leonid Kravchuk visits Houston

1992-1996

Medical journals sent by UACCH to Ukrainian hospitals

1994

Vladimir Chernousenko, scientific director of the Chornobyl cleanup effort, speaks

1996

UACCH at the Houston International Festival

1997

Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Yuri Shcherbak visits

Ukrainian astronauts train at NASA and participate in UACCH events

Ukrainian astronaut Col. Leonid Kadenyuk addresses Independence Day assembly

Cocktail reception for Ukrainian business group trying to learn western business practices

1998

US astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper addresses Independence Day assembly

Crew of Ukrainian sailors from the Greek ship Epta stranded in Houston for several months, supported in many ways by the Ukrainian community and provided major financial assistance by UACCH

1999

Another crew of Ukrainian sailors stranded in Houston during the summer

Prof. Ewa Thompson of Rice University addresses the Independence Day assembly

Anthony Potoczniak, recently returned after 8 years of living in Ukraine, also addresses the Independence Day assembly

2000

UACCH celebrates its 25th Anniversary