At Home with Heritage – У дома із спадщиною

The John & Mary Yaremko Collection

The Ontario Branch of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada’s exhibit “At Home with Heritage -    ” is a tribute to John and Mary Yaremko, two exceptional individuals who valued their Ukrainian heritage and Canadian traditions.

Daria Diakowsky, the curator of the exhibit, presents an invitation for all to step into the Yaremko home and share their hospitality. We are ushered into a multi-faceted display, rich with pictorial memoirs, awards, treasured objects of art and sculpture, weaving, pottery, wood work and embroidery. The John & Mary Yaremko Collection outlines the main themes in their lives - service, search, and sharing.

Throughout John Yaremko’s quarter century in Ontario politics, he focused on service to the public with an emphasis on citizenship, social services, education, training, health and quality of life. Many came to him for assistance and advice, including immigrants, senior citizens, physically disabled persons and mentally challenged individuals, struggling students, and labourers. Many owe so much to this outstanding individual.

The Yaremko’s were staunch supporters of the arts. They became enthusiastic collectors, filling their home with Canadiana, and blending it with treasured art objects that reflected their Ukrainian heritage. These include a number of works by known artists such as Archipenko, Forbes, Hryshchenko (Gritchenko), Kruk, Varley, Kurelek and Surmach Mills. Also displayed are samples of weaving, pottery, woodwork and embroidery by notable artisans. It should be noted that the Yaremko’s collected over 1100 examples of Early Canadian pressed glass during their travels throughout Canada. This collection, the largest of its kind, was presented to the Royal Ontario Museum to great acclaim in 1981.

Mary Yaremko devoted her life to supporting her husband in his political and community work and, together with John, they created a legacy of philanthropy. Over the years, they funded or established many educational, cultural, charitable and religious institutions and projects. The exhibit demonstrates examples of their open hearted sharing.

Recently, the UMC Ontario Branch has been the recipient of such largesse. In June 2008, John Yaremko personally bequeathed $50,000 towards the museum’s future sustainability. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Ontario Branch is extremely grateful for his farsightedness.

The John Yaremko’s influence in Ontario politics permeated and influenced the government’s approach to those of immigrant origins. Ukrainian Canadians should know this powerful story, and appreciate the impact that John Yaremko made to our and those of our children’s lives.

Visit the Museum, located at St. Vladimir Institute, 620 Spadina Avenue in Toronto. By calling 416-923-3318 ext. 105 to plan a tour, the Museum’s Ontario Branch members will be available to guide you through this important exhibit.