Manor College Receives Ukrainian Collection from former Congressman Curt Weldon

Former U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon (7th District of Pennsylvania, 1987-2007) recently visited Manor College to donate the Weldon Congressional Ukrainian Collection -- an impressive group of nearly 75 pieces that include books and historical artifacts rich in Ukrainian heritage and the history of relations between Ukraine and the U.S.

Jon Peri, Manor College President, expressed his gratitude and excitement in receiving the donation, stating that many of the donated pieces represent the great influence that Weldon had on the United States and Ukraine.

Manor College is a natural fit for the Collection, given that it is the only accredited Ukrainian-Catholic post-secondary institution of higher education in the country, a fact that Weldon referenced several times while making the donation.

Some of the standout artifacts in the collection include a plaque representing Ukraine’s agreement to disarm nuclear weapons, along with a piece of a destroyed nuclear weapon enclosed within the plaque.

Another unique piece to the collection is an original Orange Revolution scarf and hat given to Weldon by the former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko.

Perhaps the most significant piece in the collection is the original 1999 formally signed agreement between Ukraine’s Parliament and the U.S. Congress to establish and normalize relations between the two countries. The document is signed by 21 of the most influential, high-level public officials of Ukraine and America from that moment in time.

Many of the items included in the collection will be on display in Manor’s Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center.