The People’s house in Przemysl as a centre for preserving the national identity of Ukrainians between 1900 and 1940

Abstract

The article analyses the role of the People’s House in Przemysl as a centre for preserving the national identity of Ukrainians between 1900 and 1940. Using archival materials and contemporary press reports, the authors have examined the formation and activities of the People's House from 1900 until its liquidation in 1940, amidst the social and political events of the first half of the 20th century. The article aims to study the People’s House development, strengthening of its position, specific activities, and its role as an influential factor in preserving Ukrainian identity between 1900 and 1940. The research methodologyis based on the use of special historical (comparative-historical and chronological) and general scientific research methods (generalization, synthesis and analysis), which, in combination with the principles of historicism, polyfactoriality and objectivism, created the necessary conditions for objective analysis and coverage of the tasks set. The scientific novelty lies in the authors’ attempt to form a comprehensive picture of the People’s House place and significance in defending and protecting national identity and developing the community’s cultural and spiritual values within a complex world of political, ethno-national, and confessional contradictions, political orientations, and cultural trends. Conclusions. The activities of the People’s House in Przemysl contributed to the unification of Ukrainians around common national values, supported cultural heritage, ensured scientific development, and educated new generations in the spirit of patriotism. The examples provided in the article demonstrate that, even under challenging political and economic conditions, supporting education and science remained a top priority for the leadership of the People’s House, thereby contributing to the preservation of national consciousness. The People’s House in Przemysl served as a cultural and educational institution that brought together the city’s public organisations and societies. It hosted their social and cultural activities, including discussions, lectures, reports, exhibitions, evening gatherings, theatrical performances, concerts (featuring local and invited soloists, choirs, and ensembles), dance balls, and various festive events. The memory of T. Shevchenko, I. Franko, M. Shashkevych, S. Petliura, and others was honoured there. It fostered a new generation of patriots and ideological activists who supported the Ukrainian identity. An analysis of the People’s House meeting minutes and financial reports confirmed that this institution also functioned as an economic organisation, a cooperative enterprise that financially supported Ukrainian public organisations. Acting as a cultural and community centre, the People’s House also performed important enlightening and sometimes even educational functions, fostering a sense of national unity among compatriots. In this magnificent building, the Ukrainian language, historical memory, traditions, and values were actively nurtured, which enabled the maintenance of ties with native culture and ensured the continuous formation of national consciousness.