In June 2009, the Center for Research of the Liberation Movement in Ukraine together with the SBU opened the first stage of the permanent exhibit at the museum, in part with financial support from the “Ukraine 3000” fund, headed by the then first lady Kateryna Yushchenko and logistical and moral support from local officials and civic leaders. In September 2009, the Center for Research of the Liberation Movement in Ukraine, the SBU, the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, the Lviv regional and city councils signed a cooperative agreement, which also left open the possibly for cooperation with other parties. This agreement also created a foundation, which would accept donations for the continued development of the museum-memorial and its holdings. In October 2009, President Yushchenko awarded the museum national status by decree, thereby expanding its potential scope and reach.