An exhibition at the Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre in Winnipeg is drawing attention for its emotional and historical depth. Love Letters: A Timeless Experience, explores how people have expressed love across generations, whether through handwritten letters, personal artifacts, or now, digital messages. The exhibit celebrates the universal language of romance and how it has helped people stay connected, even across great distances.
The exhibition looks back at the early days of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, when many newcomers arrived alone and endured harsh conditions. Letters were often the only way to stay close to loved ones back home. These handwritten notes carried hope, longing, and encouragement during months of separation. Archival photos and artifacts show how meaningful these messages were, especially for families divided by migration and uncertainty.
One of the most fascinating pieces on display is a 1913 love letter writing guide created by linguist F. Dojacek. It gave new immigrants examples of how to write letters of affection, including suggested replies for both acceptance and refusal. Curators explain that this small book forms the foundation of the exhibit, showing how important written communication was for courtship and relationships in the early 20th century.
While the historical pieces are compelling, the exhibit also feels very connected to the present day. As the war in Ukraine continues, many families are once again separated. Instead of ink on paper, today’s messages often appear as quick texts, video calls, or typed notes sent on cellphones, sometimes from soldiers on the front line, sometimes from loved ones waiting at home. Oseredok’s focus on messages that “bridge modern distance” makes this connection clear, reminding visitors that the need to stay emotionally close hasn’t changed, only the tools have.
The exhibit brings these old and new forms of communication together in a meaningful way, showing that whether written in careful handwriting or tapped out on a screen, the purpose is the same: to feel close to someone who is far away. Visitors can also write their own love letters or take home themed postcards, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Love Letters: A Timeless Experience ultimately shows that love through war, migration, distance, or time keeps finding a way to overcome whatever separates us.
Anna Jacyniak
