The Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec has been cooperating for years with scholars from the Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences (University of Wrocław). They engage in the organisation of conferences in Bolesławiec, support local scientific publications and sit in various competition jurys.
Bolesławiec Yearbook
This is a periodical devoted to the history and present of Bolesławiec, published by the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec since 2008 and edited by Edmund Maliński, Anna Bober-Tubaj and Grzegorz Matoryn. Since 2011, the publishing reviewer has been Professor Grzegorz Strauchold (Historical Institute, University of Wrocław).
Competition for the prize of the Mayor of the City for the best master’s or doctoral thesis on the history and present of Bolesławiec
Every year, universities submit to the competition every year any number of master’s or doctoral theses considered by the dean of the relevant faculty creative, innovative and deserving of widespread dissemination. The jury of the competition, whose first edition took place in 2006, includes representatives of the academic community (3 persons) and the Bolesławiec City Office (2 persons). In addition to the financial prize, the highest-ranked thesis in a given edition receives a distinction of being published by the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec.
Scientific conference “Bolesławiec residents – they did not come from nowhere. Around the settlement landscape of Lower Silesia”
On 17-18 June 2016, Bolesławiec hosted a scientific conference “Bolesławiec residents – they did not come from nowhere. Around the settlement landscape of Lower Silesia”. During the two-days meeting, participants listened to presentations by academic teachers, historians, museologists, archivists as well as students and enthusiasts who discussed various issues from the post-war history of the so-called “Regained Territories”. Basically, the lectures presented the results of research based on archival, iconographic and cartographic documents. There were also speeches for which family and personal stories were the starting point.
On the first day, the conference was held at the “Orzeł” Cultural Integration Center. The invited guests were greeted by the Mayor of Bolesławiec, Piotr Roman, and the director of the State Archives in Wrocław, Janusz Gołaszewski, PhD. Short presentations were prepared by representatives of Bolesławiec associations and groups of settlers. The activities of the Society of Lviv and the South-Eastern Borderlands Lovers, the Association of Re-emigrants from Bosnia, their Descendants and Friends, the group of re-emigrants from France and the 6th Kaniow Uhlan Regiment Bolesławiec Cavalry Association were described by, respectively, the president Barbara Smoleńska, president Halina Waniak, Kamilla Dudek and president Grzegorz Jankowski. The introductory speech was given by the General Secretary of the City Office Jerzy Zieliński. Then, lectures were given by academics from the Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences of the University of Wrocław: Professor Grzegorz Strauchold, Professor Leszek Ziątkowski, Joanna Nowosielska-Sobel, PhD, Piotr Pałys, PhD, Filip Wolański, PhD, Dariusz Przybytek, PhD and Grzegorz Sobel, PhD as well as graduate and postgraduate students of the university: Kamilla Jasińska and Natalia Kotrys. Other speakers included Rafał Nowakowski, PhD (Lower Silesia Marshal’s Office), Zygmunt Brusiło (Society of Bolesławiec Lovers), Krzysztof Rajczakowski (Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec) and Adam Baniecki (State Archives in Wrocław, Branch in Bolesławiec).
The second day of the conference was organized at the premises of the State Archives in Wrocław, Branch in Bolesławiec. Presentations were given by: Zdzisław Abramowicz (ZHP Bolesławiec), Edmund Maliński, PhD (editor of The Bolesławiec Yearbook), Mariusz Olczak (Archives of New Files in Warsaw), Maria Subik (Municipal Lower Secondary School No. 2 in Bolesławiec), Anna Bober-Tubaj and Agata Bojanowska (Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec), Barbara Grzybek (State Archives in Wrocław, Branch in Bolesławiec), Ivo Łaborewicz (State Archives in Wrocław, Branch in Jelenia Góra) and Katarzyna Uczkiewicz (“Remembrance and Future” Centre) as well as academic teachers from the University of Wrocław: Professor Rościsław Żerelik and Barbara Techmańska, PhD and students of the university: Kamil Frąckiewicz, Joanna Wolska, Marta Łobacz and Angelika Perz. During the break, participants could enjoy a photo exhibition by Barbara Schutta (University of Wrocław) devoted to the contemporary image of Bolesławiec and Lower Silesia.
The conference was organised by the History Atlas Laboratory (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław), Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec, “Remembrance and Future” Centre in Wrocław, State Archives in Wrocław, Branch in Bolesławiec and Bolesławiec Cultural Centre – International Centre for Ceramics.
Promotion of conference materials took place in March 2017. The publication entitled Bolesławianie – nie przybyli znikąd. Wokół krajobrazu osadniczego Dolnego Śląska (Bolesławiec residents – they did not come from nowhere. Around the settlement landscape of Lower Silesia) was prepared by the editorial team: Anna Bober-Tubaj (Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec), Joanna Nowosielska-Sobel, PhD and Professor Grzegorz Strauchold (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław).
Scientific conference “200 years of the Napoleon’s epic”
On 6-7 September 2013, the 200th anniversary of the 1813 campaign was celebrated in Bolesławiec. The event had a rich and varied program. The Museum of Ceramics officially opened a historical exhibition “1813-2013. The 200th anniversary of the Napoleonic campaign in Silesia in 1813”. In the green areas near the railway viaduct, historical reconstruction groups gave shows and recreated the Battle of Bober. Meanwhile, in the conference hall of the Bolesławiec Cultural Center – International Centre for Ceramics, an international scientific conference “200 years of the Napoleon’s epic” took place. History lovers had a rare opportunity to listen to a dozen or so lectures on various aspects of the Napoleonic period, given by scholars from Poland, Russia and Germany. All lectures were translated simultaneously. The conference was chaired by Professor Grzegorz Strauchold from the Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław. The speakers included:
– Professor Jerzy Maroń (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław) – “Napoleon’s military art in the eyes of Polish military researchers”
– Dariusz Przybytek, PhD (University of Wroclaw Library) – “Cartography of the Napoleonic era in the collections of the University Library in Wroclaw”
– Svetlana Vasilievna Uspenskaja / Светлана Васильевна Успенская (Museum of Artillery in Saint Petersburg) – “Kutuzov and the 1812 liberation war in the exhibition of the Museum of Artillery”
– Andrzej Nieuważny (Mikołaj Kopernik University in Toruń, Academy of Humanities in Pułtusk) – “The enemy behind your back? Duchy of Warsaw 1813 “
– Silke Findeisen (Haus Schlesien – Königswinter-Heisterbacherrott) – “With and against Napoleon: Silesia in 1813” / “Mit, für und gegen Napoleon. Schlesien im Jahr 1813 “
– Andrzej Olejniczak, PhD (Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec) – “The French Army of Bober on the eve of the defeat at Kaczawa”
– Mariusz Olczak (Archive of New Files in Warsaw) – “»The great thing at this point is to unite and march on the enemy« – an attempt to break up the Silesian Army at the Bober River on 21-22 August 1813”
– Walentin Wadimowicz Taratorin / Валентин Вадимович Тараторин (Смоленский музей-заподеник) – “Uniforms and equipment of the Russian soldier in 1813” / “„Униформа и вооружение русского солдата в 1813 году”
– Tomasz Klauza (Witaszyce) – “Marshal Bernadotte – a story of certain love”
– Olivier Schmidt (Heidelberg) – “Basic tactical principles as illustrated by the French infantry regulations of 1 August 1791” / “Grundprinzipien taktischer Bewegungen am Beispiel des französischen Exerzier-Reglements für die Infanterie vom 1. August 1791”
– Krzysztof Widziński (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław) – “The impact of the 1812 campaign on Russian strategic reflection in the 19th century. Contribution to the issue”
– Jacek Jędrysiak (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław) – “Through the eyes of the winners – Napoleon’s military art in Prussian military literature after 1815”
– Andrzej Ryba (FINNA, Gdańsk) – short presentation of the Napoleonic Series by the FINNA publishing house.
The materials appeared in print in 2013 under the collective title 1813-2013. Dwusetna rocznica kampanii napoleońskiej na Śląsku (1813 – 2013. The 200th anniversary of the Napoleon’s campaign in Silesia). The editorial team included: Professor Jerzy Maroń, Professor Grzegorz Strauchold (Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław) and Andrzej Olejniczak (Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec).
The Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec has been cooperating with the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław for years. Its employees engage in the organisation of conferences in Bolesławiec and publish scientific publications on local history.
Promotion of the publication Służba Bezpieczeństwa w Bolesławcu (1957-1990). Zarys problematyki and a meeting with the author: Professor Robert Klementowski
On 23 March 2018, a promotional meeting dedicated to Professor Robert Klementowski’s publication Służba Bezpieczeństwa w Bolesławcu (1957-1990). Zarys problematyki (Security Service in Bolesławiec (1957-1990). Outline of the issue) took place. The meeting was led by Professor Grzegorz Strauchold, scholar at the Historical Institute of the University of Wrocław.
The publication is a continuation of the book My wszyscy są od pracy fizycznej… Urząd Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego w Bolesławcu (1945-1956) (We are all about manual work… The Public Security Office in Bolesławiec (1945-1956)) published in 2012. The study was prepared in cooperation with the Urban Commune of Bolesławiec, Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Wrocław and Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec.
Promotion of the publication My wszyscy są od pracy fizycznej… Urząd Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego w Bolesławcu (1945-1956) and a meeting with the author: Robert Klementowski, PhD
On 26 October 2012, in the Councilors’ Chamber of the Bolesławiec town hall, a meeting was held with Robert Klementowski, PhD, author of the book We are all about manual work… Public Security Office in Bolesławiec (1945-1956) (We are all about manual work… Public Security Office in Bolesławiec (1945-1956)). The inspiration for the book on the Security Office’s (“SO”) operations in Bolesławiec was an investigation conducted in 2008 around the former SO’s detention centre at 5 Grunwaldzka street. Its purpose was to verify information on the burials of torture victims in this area and try to find and identify the remains. It was a breakthrough moment that provoked public discussion about the SO’s operations in Bolesławiec. However, many questions and doubts regarding the issue arose at that time.
Research carried out by Robert Klementowski in the subsequent years allowed to clarify them at least partially. The author thoroughly analysed hundreds of files and documents on which the publication was based. The book is divided into two parts. The first one describes the circumstances in which the local SO branch was established, its changing organisational structure and staff as well as work methodology. The second part is a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of officers’ work.
Scientific conference “It’s been 30 years… Anniversary of the martial law”
On 8 December 2011, a historical conference “It’s been 30 years … Anniversary of martial law” was held in the Bolesławiec town hall. Presentations were given by:
– Professor Grzegorz Strauchold (University of Wrocław), “The essence of the communist system in Poland”
– Łukasz Sołtysik (Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Wrocław), “NSZZ Solidarność activists in Bolesławiec repressed during the martial law (13 December 1981 – 21 July 1983)”
– Wojciech Kucharski, PhD (“Remembrance and Future” Centre in Wrocław), “Catholic Church in Lower Silesia during the martial law”
– Grzegorz Waligóra, PhD (Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Wrocław), “Solidarność Walcząca – creation, forms and methods of operation”
– Grzegorz Kowal (“Remembrance and Future” Centre in Wrocław), “Eugeniusz Szumiejko – biography of the oppositionist”
– Ewa Chabros (Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Wrocław), “Graffiti as an expression of youth rebellion against the reality of the Polish People’s Republic in the 2nd half of the 1980s”
– Marek Mutor (“Remembrance and Future” Centre in Wrocław), “Idea of establishing a new museum in Wrocław. Around the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the martial law”
The conference was accompanied by the exhibition “Martial law in Lower Silesia” prepared by the Regional Office for Public Education of the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław. Organisers: Bolesławiec City Council, NSZZ “Solidarność” Regional Office in Bolesławiec and Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec.
Promotion of the publication by Łukasz Sołtysik and Mariusz Olczak Zarys dziejów Niezależnego Samorządnego Związku Zawodowego “Solidarność” w Bolesławcu 1980-1989
On 19 August 2010, a promotional presentation of the book by Łukasz Sołtysik and Mariusz Olczak Zarys dziejów Niezależnego Samorządnego Związku Zawodowego “Solidarność” w Bolesławcu 1980-1989 (An outline of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity history in Bolesławiec 1980-1989) took place at the City History Department of the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec at 14 Kutuzowa street, The meeting with one of the authors, Łukasz Sołtysik, was attended by the Solidarity members from Bolesławiec and Jelenia Góra. The book was created based on the movement activists’ memories as well as documents from private collections, the archives of the Solidarity Regional Board in Jelenia Góra and Solidarity branch in Bolesławiec, State Archives in Jelenia Góra and archives of the Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Wrocław. The publication was issued by the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec.
Scientific conference “The Security Office in Bolesławiec”
On 23 June 2009, a scientific conference “The Security Office in Bolesławiec” was held in the Długa Gallery at the Bolesławiec Cultural Center. The session was organised by the Mayor of Bolesławiec Piotr Roman, Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec and Bolesławiec Cultural Centre. During the conference, scholars from Wrocław presented four lectures: “Efficiency and cruelty of the repression apparatus – a guarantee of introducing a new system” by Professor Grzegorz Strauchold from the University of Wrocław, “The establishment and operations of the Public Security District Office in Bolesławiec under the direction of Lt. Zenon Florek (June 1945 – April 1947)” by Robert Klementowski, PhD from the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław, “The repatriates from Yugoslavia and emigrants from Greece in the Bolesławiec district in the light of the security apparatus’ materials” by Jarosław Syrnyk, PhD from the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław and “Counterintelligence protection of military units stationed in the Bolesławiec district” by Paweł Piotrowski from the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław.
The conference was chaired by the Boleławiec-born historian Mariusz Olczak who works at the Archive of New Files. After listening to the presentations, the guests watched a film about the Security Office’s headquarters in Bolesławiec and listened to the memories of prisoners and repressed people. The lectures were accompanied by a lively discussion in which over a dozen people took part, including one of the Bolesławiec Security Office prisoners, Henryk Małolepszy.
The Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec has established long-standing cooperating with Haus Schlesien in Königswinter-Heisterbacherrott, including mutual rental of exhibits, joint implementation of research programs and co-organising conferences.
Scientific conference “Strangers at own home. On the uprooting and loss of homeland on the example of Silesia”
In 2016, the Museum of Ceramics took part in the implementation of the project “At home, yet strangers. On the uprooting and loss of homeland on the example of Silesia” that presented the consequences of resettlement to and from Silesia in 1945-1950, prepared by the Haus Schlesien. The project involved the organisation of an international exhibition and scientific conference as well as publication of conference materials in the form of an exhibition catalogue containing several bilingual articles, including “The residents of Lower Silesia – from hostility to friendship” by Tadeusz Orawiec and Monika Czarnota.
Scientific conference “Road to the unknown – escape and expulsion of Poles and Germans at the end of World War II”
In 2015, the Haus Schlesien in Königswinter organised a conference “Road to the unknown – escape and expulsion of Poles and Germans at the end of World War II” to discuss various aspects of resettlement issues. The seminar attended by scholars, museologists and culture animators from Germany and Poland was held on the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, redrawing the borders and the resulting forced resettlement in Central and Eastern Europe. During the conference, Tadeusz Orawiec gave a lecture “The expelled – a problem that can encourage closer relationships?”, published in a compilation of conference materials entitled Droga w nieznane. Wypędzenia z i na Śląsk (Road to the unknown. Expulsion from and to Silesia).
