S.A.K.A

This building, close to the memorial to Taras Shevchenko, is a traditional Ukrainian "hatinka", a hut. It was occupied for many years by Ivan Yadlovsky, the dedicated and revered caretaker of the grave of Taras Shevchenko from 1883 to 1933. The building became the first Taras Shevchenko Museum. A room (svitlitsia) was set aside by Yadlovsky and furnished by local residents. Sadly Yadlovsky was a victim of the Holodomor, the Great Famine of 1933. Today "Svitlitsia" resembles an ordinary 18th-century village home and features contributions sent by various distinguished individuals. The guest book dates back to 1893 and was first signed by prominent Ukrainian composer Mikola Lisenko. Lisenko's early vocal music consisted of settings of Ukrainian folk songs and compositions primarily to the poetry of Taras Shevchenko.