UKRAINE
Looking for a unique opportunity to travel to Europe and immerse yourself in Ukraine’s old world history?
Lviv is a Sister City to Corning, NY. This began as a cultural, business and educational exchange through the local government after Corning Inc. built a light bulb factory there 31 years ago. Over the years, we have had students, musicians, educators and business people visit between the Southern Tier of New York (Corning, Elmira, and Binghamton) and Lviv, Ukraine.
Modern Lviv is recognized through its exquisite art and rich folk traditions. More than 50 % of all architectural monuments are located in Lviv. Museums, universities, churches, opera/ballet house are but a few historical places to visit and experience their long rich history. It is noted for its unforgettable views, architecture and European traditions. The Carpathian Mountains are nearby for hiking, skiing and camping. While visiting there you might experience the feeling of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is the biggest industrial center of Western Ukraine because of its geographic location. This makes Lviv favorable for both business and tourism.
Plans are being made for a fall trip in October 2019 to visit Lviv. If you are interested in traveling to Ukraine contact the Lviv, Corning Sister City at
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Air fares change daily, but total cost of trip is estimated to be about $2,500 to $3,000. It is recommended to purchase Trip Insurance due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Due to limited space in the homes and apartments of our hosts in Ukraine we will stay in a local hotel.
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Future dates and times TBA
2021 Update
The Lviv group held their most recent public meeting at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on November 18, 2019. A slide show was presented by Rose Ann Ewanyk of their 2019 visit to Ukraine. With light refreshments that followed the presentation. Earlier members were reminiscing about their visits to Ukraine and the families that they hosted.
Rose Ann Ewanyk gave a few highlights of the trip to Ukraine and read letters from both mayors.
During our visit, the new Mayor from Lviv and several others expressed interest to travel to Corning, NY and surrounding areas in 2020. We asked the Mayor of Corning to write a letter of invite to the American Embassy in Kiev. Due to the world-wide pandemic, they have put their visit to the US on hold until travel is open and safe in both Ukraine and the United States.
We organized a Pysanka lesson (egg decorating), with a local artist. Due to the US pandemic, we had put that on hold until further notice.
We continue to keep in contact with the Lviv Sister Cities Association in Ukraine through emails and the What’s App. We have seen a traditional Ukrainian wedding, family celebrations, Ukrainian family Christmas, a village of students celebrating a visit from St. Nicholas, and keeping in touch with former visitors and their families