Museum of the American Revolution launches Ukrainian-language audio tour

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The words of American independence can now be heard in Ukrainian at the Museum of the American Revolution through a new audio tour of its exhibition, The Declaration's Journey.

The museum launched the Ukrainian-language tour as part of a global effort to make history more accessible.

"It's important that people around the world have access to this amazing story to understand that the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, affected their lives wherever they were coming from," said Tyler Putman, the museum's manager of gallery interpretation.

The museum is the first in Philadelphia to offer an exhibition audio guide in Ukrainian. The launch is part of an initiative by Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, to bring Ukrainian-language tours to cultural landmarks around the world.

The Declaration's Journey features more than 120 artifacts, including Ukraine's Declaration of Independence.

The addition comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself in the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

"Two hundred fifty years ago, the American nation that was just born was in similar circumstances to what Ukrainians are facing right now," said Iryna Mazur, honorary consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia.

Mazur said the inclusion of Ukraine carries a broader message about democracy.

"It's important that the museum recognized that Ukraine is one of those countries that also is a place of democracy," she said.

The Ukrainian audio tour joins six other language options available for the exhibition, expanding access to its story of independence and freedom.