Ukrainians in Michigan

The first recorded Ukrainians in Michigan arrived in 1885 in Detroit. There were four waves of immigrants from the Ukraine to Michigan.

In Ukrainians in Michigan, Paul and Maryna Hedeen offer a complete history, from examining the ‘old country;’ then addressing the reasons behind the waves of immigration and where the people settled.

There is particular emphasis on Ukrainians in Detroit, complete with Ford Motor records of the ethnic background of its workers over the decades.

The churches established in Detroit are given, along with photographs.

The book goes beyond the city to other Michigan areas with Ukrainian communities, including Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Jackson, Muskegon HeightmalTraverse City, Upper Peninsula mining towns, and a monastery in Jacob’s Falls.

The traditional culture is described, from clothing to cuisine, and celebrations including Christmas and Easter.

Another chapter offers brief biographies of prominent Ukrainians.

I was interested in the book as a genealogy researcher whose family, and husband’s family, had lived in what is today the Ukraine.

There is a lot of information presented in a succinct way, with an impressive list of sources and further references.

I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley.

Well-written and comprehensive, covering all the different waves of Ukrainian immigrants to Michigan, outlining the reasons for them leaving their home country each time and what sort of reception awaited them, plus what each wave achieved in the country of their choosing. Lots of good photographs too.