The story continues: the first monuments to Taras Shevchenko in Kharkiv.

Throughout its 360-year history, Kharkiv has continuously expanded and absorbed the surrounding villages. For example, this is what happened to the village of Velyka Danylivka in the 20th century

Some sources claim that Velyka Danylivka was partially incorporated into the city’s administrative boundaries in the 1940s, others say in 1963, and finally in 1986.

Along with the buildings, historical monuments were also included within the city limits. This was the case with the Shevchenko monument, which is located across from School No. 96.

According to legend, the bust of Kobzar was erected in the village in front of the zemstvo building even before the 1917 Revolution. Some time later, it was transferred to the Danylivka Library. During the WWII, local residents hid the bust, and after liberation, it was moved to the schoolyard. Today, it is located across from School No. 96 at Henerala Udovychenka Street, 24.

It is difficult to verify the accuracy of the legend, but the fact remains that a little-known bust of Shevchenko—albeit heavily repainted—stands in front of the school. If the legend about its pre-revolutionary origins is confirmed, we can say with certainty that this monument to Shevchenko is one of the oldest in both Kharkiv and Ukraine.

The Shevchenko monument in Kulynichi, however, is the newest in Kharkiv. The monument was erected in 2003 near the village council; prior to that, it had been stored for 10 years on the grounds of a transportation company. In 2013, Kulynichi became part of Kharkiv.