In August 1992, the first original museum in Ukraine was established in Chernivtsi, dedicated to the phenomenon of emigration from Bukovyna and the settlement of emigrants in a new political space. Opened to preserve the memory of Bukovynians who, at various times and for different reasons, left their homeland, this Museum of Bukovynian Diaspora existed until 2003 and was reorganised into a department of the Chernivtsi Regional Museum of Local Lore, where it received a new, much more compact exhibition. In its activities, the department utilises about 4000 museum items, which reveal various aspects of Bukovynians' lives abroad.

The emigration of Bukovynians overseas began at the end of the 19th century and occurred in four waves throughout the 20th century. The 'Bukovynian Diaspora' exhibition features unique exhibits that tell the life stories and creative journeys of Bukovynian emigrants whose fate led them abroad. These include Ukrainians, Romanians, Germans, Poles, and Hungarians, who over time became part of other countries' communities but identified themselves as Bukovynians. Each stand in the exhibition sheds light on the lives of Bukovynians in the realms of culture, education, politics, and civic activities.

Having found a new homeland for themselves, Bukovynians always sought to maintain ties with their native land and perceived themselves as a single national community. This is clearly evidenced by exhibits that tell the life and creative journeys of world-renowned Bukovynians who found themselves abroad – Mykola Bidniak, Yaroslav Paladii, Vasyl Kurylyk, Rose Ausländer, Paul Celan, Georg Drozdowski, Erwin Chargaff, Oleksandr Weissman, Temistokl Virsta, Vasyl and Ksenia Kolotylo, and many others, united by a common Bukovynian cradle. Their lives and work are an example for many Bukovynians!

For the department's staff, the spiritual return of the names and cultural heritage of Bukovynian artists, scholars, writers – all those who left their homeland and were able to realise themselves in the world – is important. Although, of course, there are countless examples of our compatriots succeeding abroad. Bukovynians by origin are members of governments in various countries, achieving success in science, business, and sports. Every life story inspires reflection and emotion. And the department's staff, in turn, honours all those who, seeking promises and opportunities, having overcome the difficulties and disputes of emigration, found themselves abroad.

The exhibition utilises technical resources that expand the possibilities for conveying information. An interactive table allows visitors to delve deeper into both the stages and the representatives of Bukovynian emigration. Thematic television programmes about prominent figures of the Bukovynian diaspora create an appropriate emotional atmosphere for visitors.