80 events from 80 years of Stalowa Wola

Voting could be done via coupons published in the weekly “Sztafeta” (submitted to one of the Museum’s locations) or by email. For reference and inspiration, a list of over 300 significant events in the history of the city from 1937 to 2018 was published in the weekly and on the Museum’s website. This list was not binding and served only as a “guideline,” while voters were absolutely free to mention any personally selected and preferred facts outside of the provided list.

Several dozen people participated in the poll, often submitting multiple suggestions.

From the submitted entries, 80 events that were most popular among respondents and most frequently reported were selected. An essential condition for qualifying specific entries for the exhibition was the availability of photographic material related to the proposed topics. The Museum conducted a search for photos documenting the selected events, with many institutions and private individuals kindly assisting by providing such materials.

A specially appointed committee, composed of historians, teachers, journalists, and local experts, oversaw the accuracy of the selection process.

Book prizes were raffled among participants in the poll.

The exhibition does not claim to present all the most important events in the history of Stalowa Wola nor does it classify them. It showcases those events deemed significant and worthy of commemoration by participants in the poll, who were often guided by sentiment, memories of their youth, or family narratives rather than the historical importance or significance of those events.

The exhibition aims to remind visitors of certain dates and figures from the history of Stalowa Wola, in connection with its 80th anniversary being celebrated this year.

It has been 80 years since the pre-war Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Gen. Felicjan Sławoj Składkowski, signed the order to name the settlement near the Southern Factories “Stalowa Wola” (January 31, 1938).

The rapidly growing settlement eventually transformed into a city, which, upon receiving the appropriate rights, systematically increased its population and expanded its territory. Established as part of the Central Industrial Area (COP), some of the most modern industrial plants in Poland at the time survived the dark days of occupation, rejuvenating after the war, expanding their production profiles, and growing into a significant, dynamic combine known as Huta Stalowa Wola. The power plant expanded its production capabilities, playing an increasingly important role in the life of the city and the region. Education evolved, cultural activities flourished in many areas, and spectacular sports successes were achieved. Stalowa Wola and its residents played a significant role for the country during the period of systemic transformation, and the city managed to adapt to the demands of the new times, albeit not without difficulty.

The exhibition is displayed in front of the Inter-University Library building, ul. Popiełuszki.

For additional information, please contact the Regional Museum at 15 842 00 42.